We in Genesis have been talking about studying. For some reason, a particular passage has been front and center of the brain housing so why not share it.
One of the first books I read that really opened new perspectives in Scripture was Your God is Too Safe by Mark Buchanan. In that book he addresses how fairness is viewed in our modern culture as opposed to how God may respond. He ask the question, is God fair, and uses the story of Cain and Able to make a point. Click here to catch up on this story in Genesis 4.
- Was it fair that God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice more than Cain’s?
- Was it fair that God allowed Able to be murdered especially after being so pleased with his sacrifice?
- Was is fair that God did not punish Cain “eye for an eye?”
Here is the part that really spoke to me. When God did pronounce Cain’s punishment, Cain partitioned to God claiming that the punishment was too severe. God listened to Cain. In response to Cain’s cry, God placed a mark on Cain so other people would see the mark and know that they would suffer even greater vengeance if Cain was killed. I’ve always heard about the mark of Cain. I’ve always heard people try to rationalize the details of this story so God would not seem unfair. I also, up to this point, would have thought that if would have been perfectly fine to bring Cain to proper justice: ie. “eye for an eye”
I had never heard that Cain’s mark was a mark of protection which adds at least one more question to the list above.
- Was it fair that God protects on a murderer?
In a moment after reading this, I was overcome by how differently my response toward Cain would have been. If my natural reaction would have been wrong in this case, what else am I wrong about. Where else was I making decisions contrary to how God wants me to act. Initially my question was, “But, God, that was not fair.” But who in the world am I question God’s fairness.
This perspective has changed me. In a world where people act so viciously toward each other, I find myself looking for what God is doing in the mist instead of making matters worse by implementing my judgment based on my sense fairness. (Well, honestly I may do so on a good day. There are still times that my natural reactions are not representing God very well.) And I can say that there have been times that not reacting based on my sense of judgement has kept my foot out of my mouth a bit more. (notice that I say “a bit more,” again, I’m no where close to having my mouth and mind completely tamed.)
This is just one example of how studying has helped me see more of who God really is. Since then I have learned a lot of things from a lot of different people. Some I never thought I would be in agreement with. So find some voices for yourself that might stretch or challenge your thinking. Again, even if you don’t agree with someone, then at least you’ll know why you don’t agree. Your beliefs will become your own, and you will not be dependant on someone else to dictate your beliefs for you.
Jim
