The Veritas Update 01.13.08

Last week Veritas recapped Genesis 3 and moved into Chapter 4. Recall that the “Way of Cain” presents itself through the two-fold evidence of jealousy and not keeping your brother. These issues, while interlocked with Cain, can be equally as damning when they stand alone. This class covered the effects jealousy first revealed in Cain. In bringing this issue to the light an important question needs to be asked; who is our brother?

Consider these facts:

1.3 billion people on the planet have no clean water.
2.6 billion people have no sanitation.
852 million people in the world are hungry.
18 thousand children die of hunger each day.
22 billion kids live in the world – half of them live in poverty.
48 of the poorest nations have a combined wealth that is less than the worlds 3 richest people.
1 billion people on the planet can’t read.
20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of the world’s goods.
50 million of the richest people in the world have as much wealth as the 2 billlion poorest.

Genesis 4:10 reveals that the blood of Abel was crying out to God from the ground. The crime against Abel affected God, as does the suffering of the people in this world. We cannot hurt others without the pain reaching our sovereign Father. Given these facts, what is your answer; has this world gone the way of Cain?

The answer is obvious. We are called to do more.

Cain proceeded into the inevitable consequence of his sin. However, it is worth noting in chapter 4 that Cain had a creative blessing after receiving his judgment. In Cain, and his offspring, the book of Genesis marks the steady progression of mankind. Cain married, had children and built a city. Among his offspring;

Jabal – Raised livestock

Jubal – Was the father of all who play the flute

Tubal-Cain – Forged various tools of bronze and iron

Family, farming, livestock, tools and music. Chapter 4 reveals that culture proceeded to grow outside of Eden. That even through a horrible start, God still endows mankind with a creative blessing. While doing all of this through Cain, God was also still at work in bringing a change of heart to Eve.

Later in chapter 4, Eve, who Pastor Jerry had noted displayed some arrogance in naming Cain, shows an adjustment in her ways when she names Seth. Remember that in naming Cain she fancied herself to be somewhat equal to God in the creation process. The Hebrew translation for Seth means “appointed.” After losing two sons already, Eve is less triumphant and acknowledges the divinity of God in realizing her child was appointed.
Chapter 4 is a poignant introduction into the grace of God.


Next Week

In this session of Veritas, Pastor Jerry will cover the inception of linear time and the cultural impact it has had on the world. Additionally, he will teach on the lineage of Genesis leading up to the flood, including the lifespan of human life, along with its probability and meaning.

Meanwhile, may God abundantly bless your walk with Him as we at Veritas continue on our mission of “Confronting the Lies of the Age.”