He cares about how we treat others...
| Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" (Genesis4:9) |
In Genesis 4:9 God is asking Cain a question, "Where is your brother?" In his response Cain answered, "I don't know, Am I my brother's keeper? God's question raises the issue of caring for each other.
Application
Created in his image, God expects us to care like he does.
God created man in his image and likeness (Gen1:26). One of God's characteristic is to care for his creation. Initially he instructed Adam - father to Cain, to look after (care) the garden of Eden (Gen2:15). So, when He asked Cain, "where is your brother?", God was raising the issue of caring for our brothers. God has a mission of caring for his creation especially humankind.
The UPCSA currently is focusing on a theme -- "Partners in Mission". This means as a church we are partnering with God in his mission of caring for his creation especially humanity. The question is what does it mean to care for our brothers? (While God is addressing Cain about his actual brother we can infer that what is meant and implied here by "brother" is "fellow human being".)
- Caring by being interested in your brother: Essentially this means being sensitive to your brother's well-being. Cain showed no interest in the pain and loss he would cause to his younger brother Abel. In fact, he answered God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" This is a disinterested attitude. If Cain showed interest he would have done everything not to kill his brother. Cain's behavior was a departure from the image and likeness of God.
- Caring by providing security for your brother: Cain being an elder brother, should have provided security for his younger brother. Looking after implies providing security and defense for your brother. Security is seen in different lights. Today, it even covers security in retirement and old age. Where is your brother in this light? In this mission month and as we are partnering with God in his mission, are we providing security?
Conclusion
Genesis 4:9 teaches us that God wants us to manifest his characteristic of caring for his creation especially our fellow human beings. Let us care for our brothers and sisters by being interested in them and providing security for them.
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Rev Edward Chirwa - I am married to Mary Kaluba for 27 years and together we are blessed with four girls and one boy. I specialized in Old Testament Theology in my masters and am passionate about mentoring and inspiring people on developing their God-given potential to glorify him.
My hobbies are reading books, talking to people, taking walks, gardening and caring for the environment.
