Genesis 4:8–9 (EHV)
8Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked Abel, his brother, and killed him.
9The Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”
He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
What do you think when you read the conversation between God and Cain?
First, we recognize how amazing it is that God would come to speak with Cain at all. After what he did, Cain certainly didn’t deserve it. It’s a sign of God’s mercy and love that he came to talk to Cain.
Did Cain see it that way? It certainly doesn’t seem like it. Cain actually seems annoyed with God. Maybe that’s the guilt talking.
Second, God asks where his brother, Abel, is. We’ve heard God ask a question just like that to Cain’s parents. It was a question God already knew the answer to. It was a question that made someone think about the sin they had just committed. It was a question that offered a chance to confess and repent.
Did Cain take the opportunity to confess and repent? Tragically, not! Cain actually gives God a flippant response. “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” I think we’re rightly taken aback when Cain talks back to God. How could anyone talk to God with such disrespect? We recognize a recalcitrant sinner when we see one.
Or do we? When we read this story, do we recognize ourselves? Sometimes we like to think that we’re better than Cain. What does God think? When he came to Cain, he wanted him to recognize his sin and repent. When he comes to us in Scripture, he wants the same thing.
When we read this story, God is talking to us through his Word. Cain didn’t get to hear God’s voice of grace for sinners. God wrote this so we could learn from Cain’s mistake. Instead of avoiding God’s judgment for our sins, let’s repent and celebrate his forgiveness.
Ezekiel 18:32 (EHV)
32For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, declares the Lord God. So repent and live!
God bless you,
Pastor Tesch
Our food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-noon.
If you or someone you know could benefit, please come! And get the word out!
If you have some pictures you are willing to share in our worship video on Sunday, please send them in! It’s always wonderful to see the faces of our Trinity family.
Here’s this week’s bulletin announcements: 2020-05-10-Announcements Easter 5.pdf
If you know of someone who would like the service on DVD or the audio on CD, please let us know.
If you would like to support the Lord’s work at Trinity, you may contribute at trinitymarinette.com/contribute or you can mail it to
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1501 Thomas St.
Marinette, WI 54143