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“But Cain answered the Lord., “My punishment is too great to bear!” Genesis 4:13 (HCSB)

Ever found yourself overwhelmed by the weight of natural consequences? Don’t worry you’re not alone. It’s the trademark of sin – experiencing pleasure in one moment – reaping ugly in the next. Caught up in Satan’s lies, we believe that our choice, our preference, our joy is far more important than obeying God’s truth.

Don’t know about you but I would much rather choose my own consequences. We’re usually very good at excusing away our sin, stretching our sob stories and pivoting all the attention back to poor “us.” That’s exactly where we find Cain in Genesis chapter 4. Little brother, Abel, offers God his best offering; Cain (big brother) offers God whatever. Anger, fury, jealousy – you name it Cain’s obsessed with little brother’s blessing from God in contrast to his warnings from God. If only Abel were out of the picture, then perhaps things would be different so Cain kills Abel.

Wonder if we’ve said similar words? If I could just manipulate these circumstances, move myself up to a favorable spot, push others aside then I would be the one chosen – the one blessed. It happens ever so simply when we get our eyes off God and onto self. End result, our sin like Cain’s stares us square in the face. The conversation that echos from scripture reveals Cain’s heart is far from God. Sorrow isn’t etched on his lips. Remorse and regret don’t follow. Just a complaint – the price tag is too great for me (Cain) to bear!

True repentance never zeros in on sin’s consequences but rather recognizes sin’s offense. The Psalmist David said it best, “Against You oh God have I sinned and done evil in Your sight.” Admitting his sin and facing the truth was not Cain’s agenda. Victim status rose to the surface when God revealed the consequences for his actions. Enabling Cain to stay the same, excusing away his sin and listening to his sob story was not God’s agenda. Mercy, love and grace were Cain’s for the taking, yet he chose to flee the Lord’s presence.

Sound familiar? When the path we’ve taken results in devastation do we confess and turn towards God or do we pamper our choices and seek relief? God is our redeemer, restorer, rebuilder and grace giver but He will never settle for less than best when it comes to His children. God knows that true repentance leads to transformation and that sweet friend draws us closer to His presence.

“Father too many times, we want to skip out of consequences rather than endure teachable moments that serve us well. Help us to embrace Your loving correction.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life