“The LORD said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me …. Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.’”
Genesis 4:10-11
One aspect of suffering that most makes our hearts recoil is that of betrayal. In the military, we would talk about “green-on-blue” attacks. These could be some of the most frightening and deadly strikes because they involved attacks by our own allies. In Afghanistan, this wasn’t uncommon. You expect the confrontation from your enemy, but not from someone you trust.
Just as Adam and Eve were made for one another, we are made to trust our fellow man. Sadly, this compact is often broken. Cain was Abel’s flesh and blood, but he found it within his own evil heart to plan out and murder his brother. He even offered the chilling words to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Abel’s blood cried out from the ground against such betrayal. It’s horrifying to think of how the bonds of love can be used to hurt, maim, and kill.
Have you been betrayed? What have you done with that wound—buried it so others can’t hurt you; let it build distrust that keeps others at arm’s length? Our Savior understands that agony. And He chose to endure it for the sake of you and me.
Just as Adam and Eve were made for one another, we are made to trust our fellow man. Sadly, this compact is often broken. Cain was Abel’s flesh and blood, but he found it within his own evil heart to plan out and murder his brother. He even offered the chilling words to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Abel’s blood cried out from the ground against such betrayal. It’s horrifying to think of how the bonds of love can be used to hurt, maim, and kill.
Have you been betrayed? What have you done with that wound—buried it so others can’t hurt you; let it build distrust that keeps others at arm’s length? Our Savior understands that agony. And He chose to endure it for the sake of you and me.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 4
Insight
On the night Jesus was betrayed, He died for you. Betrayal didn’t stop His love—it heightened it.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 23-24
- Psalm 19
- Matthew 26