The Rise and Fall of Cain
Monday– Read Luke 21:1-3
The traditional interpretation of the story of Cain and Abel has to do with Cain not giving his very best to God. This is truly a recurring theme in the Bible. In the Psalms and in the prophets God addresses this issue reminding us that the best sacrifice is the giving of our lives. As you pray this day, do you give the best to God? When you present your offering, is it a reflection of your desired commitment to God? How about your time? Is the service of God a priority in your life? Do you give the best of who you are to God?
Tuesday– Read Matthew 13:31-32, and 17:18-20
The second traditional interpretation of the story of Cain and Abel is that God accepted
Abel’s offering due to Abel’s faith (Hebrews 11:4). Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed which, even when small, it becomes a great tree. Today have an opportunity to think about your faith journey. How is your faith different from five years ago? Also think about times when you have been tempted to give up on your faith. At the end of your devotional time pray with our Church Fathers and Mothers, “Lord I believe, help Thou my unbelief.”
Wednesday– Read Job 1:1- 2:10, and 42:1-5
Many times in our lives we face discouragement when God seems to be silent. Today you have seen a glimpse of the story of Job. Even though the reader knows exactly what happened, Job never knew the reason for the things he lived through. Think about it, in Job’s life God remained silent. Think about those times in your life when God seemed to be silent. Then read Isaiah 43:19. Some theologians believe that God seems to be silent in times that precede great creation. As you pray today do not seek to understand God but ask for patience to wait upon the new creation God is about to bring forth.
Thursday– Read James 3:5-10, Matthew 5:21-24
Violence is a prevalent element in our societies. Many times the most destructive of these types of violence is the one made through the spoken word. Think about it: gossip, lying, insult, and even silence are used as ways to hurt others. The story of Cain tells us that the use of violence as a way to prevail over others is part of our human condition. How do you participate in this violence? Read again the scriptures assigned for today. Who do you need to be reconciled with? Make plans today to start working on that reconciliation. At the end of your devotion read Ephesians 4:29-32. How are you living these verses? What do you need to do to keep moving in that direction?
Friday– Read Luke 15:11-32
The story of the prodigal son is one of the most beloved by Christians everywhere. It is a great story of family relations and forgiveness and new life. Today take some time to pray for your family. Pray for your parents and siblings and cousins and grandparents, etc. If there is some estrangement within your family pray for God to guide the estranged parties to reconciliation. In the same way pray for the family of faith. Open yourself for the work of the Spirit as she keeps guiding you in ministry and service in the Church.
Saturday-Genesis 4:1-8
Today we take one final look at the story of Cain and Able with a chance for reflection. There is a lot that is not said in the scripture about the story of these two brothers. We all know people who are going down the wrong path. What are some practical ways that you may show love and compassion to those in need of grace where all they have seen is judgment?