Authors: Paul Beverly, Paul Lehr
Genesis 4:8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
The first recorded death of a human being was a murder. The Bible does not state the instrument used in the murder.
Some conjecture Cain used a knife. John tells us in his epistle the death was violent. The Greek word σφάζω/sphadzo was used for “murder”. It means: slay, kill by violence, slaughter, wound mortally. -Strong’s Concordance
1 John 3:12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
The extra Biblical text of Jubilees 4:31 indicates a rock was used. “He (Cain) killed Abel with a stone.”
Does it really matter the instrument used in the murder? God did not respond by passing a law controlling the use of rocks or knives. He spoke against murdering a fellow human being.
Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.
The violence and mass slaughter at a Florida school this past week were tragic. Seventeen people were murdered. This past week, a gun was used. What will be used in the future? A knife, poisonous gas, missiles, nuclear weapons, whatever…
Politicizing the event with the issue(s) of the day is a distraction and not productive. Until people give a rip for all humanity, this behavior is going to continue to happen.
The issue is the human heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Mark 7:21-23 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” -Jesus
There is an answer.
Love unconditionally. Love unselfishly. Love without expectation. Love without fear. Love with all your heart. Love with your thoughts. Love with your actions. Love in truth. Love is contagious. Love BIG. Love conquers all!
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It (love) does not boast, it (love) is not proud. It (love) does not dishonor others, it (love) is not self-seeking, it (love) is not easily angered, it (love) keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It (love) always protects, (love) always trusts, (love) always hopes, (love) always perseveres.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
LOVE!
