Toxic Hatred: Cain & Abel

00:00:00 Speaker 1: But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment Matthew five twenty two. Heavenly Father, as we confront the weighty words of Matthew five twenty two, where Jesus teaches us about the seriousness of anger in our hearts, we come before you, acknowledging our struggles with this powerful emotion. Lord, You know the conflicts that stir within us, the quick tempers and the harsh words that can easily escape our lips. Search us and teach us that we may understand the root of our anger. Guide us as we address our anger. Help us to see our fellow human beings as you see them, created in your image, deserving of love and compassion. And still in us a spirit of patience and the strength to forgive, as you have forgiven us our many transgressions. We ask for your help in transforming our hearts, that we might be peacemakers rather than troublemakers, healers rather than herders. Let our words bring life and not death. Encouragement and not to spare, create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us, that we may reflect your love and grace in all our interactions, and forgive us for the times we've let anger control us, and guide us toward living lives that are marked by your peace and kindness. In the name of Jesus taught us the way of love. We pray Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a story of revenge, murder, and hatred toward God. If this podcast has inspired you, share it with a few friends. Spread hope today and be a light to the world. 00:02:31 Speaker 2: Some of you here may think that I have come to abolish the law and prophets. You cannot be further from the truth. 00:02:38 Speaker 1: Jesus saw the Pharisee stir and look at one another. Hear me. 00:02:43 Speaker 2: I have not come to abolish the Law of Moses, but to fulfill it. The Word of God is unchangeable as creation itself. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do this, the same will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. 00:03:20 Speaker 1: As Jesus said these things, the religious leaders began to boil with frustration. What they could not see is that the entirety of God's story from Adam until now was leading up to this moment. Jesus was the crescendo of human history and the embodiment of God's will. Jesus lifted his arms and pretended he was a balancing scale. He lifted one arm up and said, you have heard it said to those of old, you shall not murder, and whoever murders. 00:03:56 Speaker 2: Will be liable to judgment. But I tell you everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council, and whoever says you fool will be liable to the hell fire. 00:04:14 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 00:04:18 Speaker 2: If you are worshiping in the House of the Lord, and remember there that your brother has something against you, leave the altar and go first be reconciled to your brother. Then come and worship. 00:04:36 Speaker 3: Forgiveness. And reconciliation were of paramount importance to Jesus, so important in fact, that he said you should even stop worshiping to settle disputes. Lingering conflict leads to contempt, and contempt is the gateway to all kinds of sins. This is the Jesus Podcast I'm Ethan with Pray dot com us. As we continue our miniseries through the Sermon on the Mount, we've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we turn our attention to a profound teaching from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapter five, verses twenty one through twenty six. This passage addresses the deep issues of anger and reconciliation, and we will connect it to the tragic story of Cain and Abel in Genesis chapter four, verses one through sixteen. We will emphasize how hatred is irrosive to the soul, personal relationships, and the fabric of society. Together, we'll explore how we can live out these teachings in our daily lives, fostering reconciliation and love. 00:05:51 Speaker 1: The cave was dark only slightly lit by the nearby firelight. Eve's quiet and determined breaths echoed the night. Beads of sweat like pearls descended her brow. Adam knelt beside Eve as her hands and knees pressed against the floor. 00:06:17 Speaker 4: Is this death? Is this what God spoke of in the garden? 00:06:24 Speaker 2: No, Eve, I think this is life. 00:06:27 Speaker 1: With that final encouragement, Eve let out a final groan, giving birth to a son. Adam wrapped him in his arms and wiped him with woven wool. 00:06:40 Speaker 2: We must name him? Has God named me? 00:06:43 Speaker 1: The boy glowed with promise. He was the first child born into the earth. Eve rolled over on her back and reached for her son. She cradled him in her arms and stroked his face. 00:07:00 Speaker 4: Oh, his name shall be Cain, for through him I have received help from the Lord. 00:07:09 Speaker 1: He pressed Cain against her chest and cried tears of joy. God promised Eve that through her offspring, the work done by the serpent would be undone. He promised that a hero would come from her line. 00:07:27 Speaker 4: This is God's promised deliverer. He's the one who will save us. 00:07:34 Speaker 1: Thus began Cain's ascension as the hope of humanity. His younger years were spent saturated in the belief that he was the favored hero of God, destined to reclaim Eden. Days rolled into months, which passed into years. Adam taught Cain how to work the land. He taught him about the struggle, the anguish, the pain. Adam would often point toward the hills in the west. 00:08:08 Speaker 2: We didn't know a sweat and bleed kine. We were once on that holy hill, surrounded by plants that bloomed without labor. We were one with God, blessed. I wish you could have seen it. 00:08:24 Speaker 1: Adam brought his son in close. 00:08:26 Speaker 2: Perhaps you'll know one day what it means to be blessed by God. 00:08:30 Speaker 1: Kin looked up at the mountain. A sense of destiny came over him. He felt chosen, hand picked to receive something great from God. Cain held that belief close in his heart. He was entitled to God's blessing. The months rolled along, as the moon and stars shifted in the skies. The heavens were untouched by tragedy, untainted by the sins of man. Adam and Eve often looked up at them, dreaming about what life would have been like if they had never eaten of the tree. Eve touched her pregnant belly and leaned her head against Adam's shoulder. They were days away from having their second child. 00:09:23 Speaker 4: What will the future hold for our children? What will happen to them? 00:09:28 Speaker 1: Worry overcame Eve. It was part of the curse. Cultivating a family would be her greatest blessing and burden, marked with joyful highs and anxious loves. 00:09:43 Speaker 4: Will they survive this world? Adam. 00:09:46 Speaker 1: Adam looked forward at the plains, dimly lit by the stars above. He wrapped his arms around Eve. He wished he had words to comfort her. He wished they would ascend the hills of Eden and reclaim unity with God, but there were no such guarantees. 00:10:06 Speaker 2: We will teach them to sacrifice to God. We will teach them to work the land. We'll teach them our history. The future isn't in our hands. 00:10:15 Speaker 1: Days later, Eve felt the pangs of childbirth again. To bring forth her second born son. Adam held him in the air and whispered to God. 00:10:28 Speaker 2: We are multiplying, Lord, just as you asked. 00:10:31 Speaker 1: Adam beamed with delight, feeling a sense of purpose. Although life had its struggles, it also had beauty, just because the land was harsh and sin was present. Didn't mean there weren't pockets of paradise slivers of Eden in moments like these. They named him able, breath, fleeting, but fill with life, just like their existence. The two boys grew strong under their parents care. Adam taught Cain how to till the land and the reason for his struggle. He taught Abel how to tend to the livestock. Abel learned to care for the sheep with dignity as a fellow creature and heir of the land. Most importantly, Adam taught his sons how to sacrifice to the Lord. He would take them up the mountain, bringing sacrifices to the Lord. Together. 00:11:39 Speaker 2: One day, my sons, you will make offerings to the Lord. He will join us in our mission to reclaim our relationship with God. 00:11:49 Speaker 1: When the boys were of age and became men, it was time to march up the mountain and make offerings to the Lord. Both prepared in their own way, making offerings with the skills they had acquired from their mother and father, Cain scanned the crops he had grown. He had done his best to master the land in a way that it flourished. The Earth was against him, in competition with him. Yet there was beauty in the struggle, not that Cain recognized it. Cain tied up some grain and leafy vegetables he'd grown at the mountain's base. He plucked berries from the trestles he built near their camp. As Cain knelt in the dirt, a shadow approached from behind. It approached slowly, ready to pounce. Cain turned, but it was too late. He was tackled to the ground. 00:12:50 Speaker 2: Ha, I gotcha. 00:12:52 Speaker 1: Abel playfully wrapped his arms around his big brother's shoulders. Cain laughed and tossed Able into the dirty led playfully until Cain pinned him down. How are you gonna protect the sheep from wolves if you can't even pin me from behind? Cain helped Abel to his feet. 00:13:11 Speaker 2: I'll just shout for you to help. You'll be lounging around anyways. 00:13:15 Speaker 1: Cain ruffled his brother's hair and pushed him away. Get out of here so I can finish my offering. 00:13:21 Speaker 2: What do you bring into the mountain? 00:13:23 Speaker 1: Grains, berries, another crops, Cain said, binding some of the grain together with string and adding some flowers he'd grown nearby. 00:13:33 Speaker 2: I hope he accepts our offering. 00:13:35 Speaker 1: Abel sighed and looked to the west. 00:13:37 Speaker 2: I want him to know, my heart, God deserves our best. 00:13:42 Speaker 1: Sacrificing is a lot like farming. Dear brother, Cain lifted his offering onto his shoulders and winked. If you tell the land and plant the seed, you'll yield a good crop. I give the offering to God, then he'll bless me. I'll give to him he gives me something in return. 00:14:01 Speaker 2: I'm not sure that's how it works. 00:14:03 Speaker 1: That's because you're young and have never farmed. Cain ruffled his brother's hair and left for the mountain. Cain was less concerned about the art of cultivation and more concerned with the input output relationship of farming. He put in the work, and the land gave him crops. He saw his sacrifice to God in a similar manner. I will give an offering, and God will give me a blessing, he thought to himself. Cain summitted the hill. There was an altar made of stone at the peak. The wind whistled above. Cain pulled his hair back and smiled. He was prepared to receive God's blessing. He was prepared to step into his destiny as God's chosen hero removed the offering from his shoulders and placed it on the altar. He stepped back and knelt on the ground. He waited. He waited a sign of God's blessing. Nothing, just silence, along with the high pitched whistle of the wind. Where are you? Cain was unsure what he was looking for, but knew he would know when he saw it. There was only silence. Cain stood to his feet, frustrated, confused, What's wrong? Why are you silent? Cain waited even longer, wondering what had gone wrong? Why wasn't God speaking? Why hadn't he accepted his sacrifice? Cain had put in the work, so why wasn't he getting his return. Cain scoffed, dragging his feet down a small path and sat from a stone, waiting for God to bless him. As he waited, Cain heard the faint bleating of a lamb in the distance. Abel scaled up the hill, carrying the first born lamb of the season on his shoulders. A dagger was strapped to his side. Cain observed the sorrow on Abel's face. His eyes were foggy with tears as he petted the lamb in his arms. 00:16:31 Speaker 2: It's o kay, little one. 00:16:33 Speaker 1: Abel whispered to it. Cain scoffed at his brother. He had always thought Abel was too sensitive, too soft for this harsh world. Tears rolled down Abel's face as he placed the new born lamb on the altar. He stroked its head and sang it a lullaby. It singing mixed with a gentle hiss of the wind. Able loved every one of his sheep. He had a tender heart and understood the value of life. Abel brought the first born of his flock the very best of what he had. It was an act of pure faith, faith in the future, faith in God as a provider and worthy of the immense value of the first born. With a shaking hand, Abel raised his blade. The lullaby leaked out of his quivering lips as he drove the blade down into the lamb's throat. He let it bleed on to the altar. He offered the best parts of the lamb to God and sang a song silently to him. Abel's faith was pure. Cain watched from a distance and waited for something to happen. He waited for God to move. That's when something changed in the air. Something's happening. An indescribable shift occurred in the atmosphere around Abel. The favor of God was upon him on that hill. It seemed like a sliver of Eden was reclaimed for humanity through Abel, not Cain. Abel descended the mountain surrounded by a holy glow of God's love and affirmation. He was like a trickling stream, joyfully falling from the hills. Came emerged from his hiding place with his mouth agape, his jaw tightened in annoyance. Undoubtedly God had just accepted able sacrifice above Cain's weeks passed and it became clear that God's hand was on Able. His flocks multiplied, his strength increased, and the work of his hands was blessed. With each passing day, able success made Cain more and more indignant. Rage welled up within him. His bitterness was a poison, slowly eroding his heart. Whenever a crop didn't yield or a thorn cut his hand, Cain thought about how God had blessed Able. Cain began to compare every inconvenience and struggle with able successes. Cain perceived each ounce of favor given to Abel as a slight against him. Yet Cain's hatred wasn't against Abel, it was against God. Cain was supposed to be chosen, not Abel. He was supposed to be the blest, He was the chosen child of Promise, the favored son. Cain's entire body shook with jealous rage. Cain sat by the fire with his parents and brother. They were celebrating a record month for Abel's flock. They laughed and sang by the fire, joy rising from the smoke into the skies. Cain wasn't amused by any of it. He stormed off to a solitary place. He slammed his fist against a stone, then shouted into the night. Then, interrupting the tense fit, spoke, why are you. 00:21:03 Speaker 3: So angry, Kane? 00:21:05 Speaker 5: Why has your face fallen? 00:21:09 Speaker 1: Now you show yourself. Kin's mind raced with hatred and contempt. He didn't understand why God had blessed Abel instead of him. He was the oldest, He was the one whose name held a promise. God's voice resonated within Kin, warning. 00:21:29 Speaker 5: If you do well, will you not be accepted? 00:21:33 Speaker 1: If I do well? If I Kin stopped and clenched his fists, I did what was asked, I made my offering, and you didn't hold up your end of the bargain. Instead, you chose to bless that whimpering and so full. 00:21:50 Speaker 5: Be warned, Cain, Sin crouches at the door of your heart. It desires to destroy you, but you must overcoment. 00:22:01 Speaker 1: Why should I listen to you? What good has that done me? Cain stormed down the hill, determined to leave a distance between him and the Lord. God's word wasn't a comfort to Caine, but salt to his wounded pride. The further he walked, the darker his heart became. Rage against God was boiling over in his heart. You accepted Abel's blood, offer him If it's blood you want, did it's blood you'll get? The following day was shrouded in darkness. Clouds rolled in from the east, covering the sun's warmth. Cain's breath rose like a specter in the chilly air. He paced at the pasture's edge where Abel tended to the sheep. He was like a wolf stalking waiting. He remained there all day in the shadows, warring with himself. Hatred coiled around his heart like the serpent around the ancient tree. It squeezed, choking the humanity out of him. The sun began to set and a crimson hue covered the horizon. Sin was stalking at the borders of Cain's heart. It was hungry for his soul. The warnings of God echoed in his mind. 00:23:39 Speaker 5: Sin crouches at the door of your heart. It desires to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 00:23:48 Speaker 1: Cain wouldn't listen. He refused. Kane knelt into the cold dirt and picked up a stone. A shadow approached from behind mind as Abel knelt beside one of his sheep. It came slowly, ready to bounce. Abel turned, but it was too late. He was tackled to the ground. Abel struggled in the dirt and kicked Caine off him. Cain bounced back up and struck his brother on the tenth, sending him flying to the floor. Abel scurried backwards with his arms up to Kate. 00:24:31 Speaker 2: Caine, Stop, what are you doing getting my revenge? 00:24:36 Speaker 1: Revenge? 00:24:37 Speaker 3: What did I do to you? 00:24:39 Speaker 5: Not you? 00:24:40 Speaker 1: Cain lunged forward at Abel and struck him again. With the storm. Abel's face fell into the dirt. Cain turned him around and continued to attack him. How blessed are you now? Abel? Cain strike smashed Abel's nose in with the please No, So. 00:25:04 Speaker 3: Where's God? 00:25:05 Speaker 1: Now? Where's God? 00:25:07 Speaker 2: Now? 00:25:08 Speaker 1: His anger wasn't directed toward Abel, No, it was directed at the Lord. Blow after blow came through spite at God by striking his innocent brother. When Abel was too weak to struggle, Cain pressed his thumbs against his throat and finished what he had started. Abel's life left him. Cain removed his hands, rolled his neck back, and exhaled quietly. He dared not look up at Heaven, but he dared not look down at his slain brother. Cain found himself suspended in a place between guilt and indignation. He buried his in that field and stormed back to his home to rest. Abel had been buried. Abel had been buried, but his blood cried out from the ground. God had seen it all, and he would not let Cain go unpunished. One day he would end the hatred that consumed Gain. He would send his redeemer to rid the world of sin once and for all. 00:26:44 Speaker 3: You've heard that it was said to the people long ago, you shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister raca is answerable to the court. And anyone who says you fool will be in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there, remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them. Then come and offer your gift. Jesus expands on the commandment against murder by addressing the root of such actions, anger and contempt. He emphasizes the seriousness of harboring anger and the importance of reconciliation. Jesus teaches that unresolved anger and broken relationships are detrimental to our spiritual health and must be addressed promptly. The story of Cain and Abel is a powerful illustration of the irrosive nature of hatred and its devastating consequences. Cain and Abel were the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain, a farmer, and Able, a shepherd. Both brought offerings to the Lord God accepted Abel's offering but did not look with favor on Cain's. This led to intense anger and jealousy in Cain's heart. Kin's unchecked anger and jealousy led to the first murder. His hatred not only resulted in Abel's death, but also brought severe consequences to himself and his relationship with God. Peaceful resolution to conflict must be at the top of our priority lists. Burn bridges, revenge, and passive aggressive gossip shake the foundation of a peaceful society. If we, as followers of Christ, can find ways to settle disputes with love and patience, we will watch that expand outward from our souls to our relationships and society as a whole. There are layers to unchecked anger and contempts corrosive and sinay to nature. First, hatred and unresolved anger corrode the soul. Cain's internal struggle and jealousy consumed him, leading to sin. Similarly, harboring anger and resentment damages our inner peace and spiritual well being. Second, hatred and unresolved conflict damage personal relationships. Kaine's hatred destroyed his relationship with Abel, his own brother Hatred creates divisions and destroys trust and love in relationships. Jesus' call to reconcile emphasizes the importance of healing and restoring our relationships. If we don't deal with our conflict and allow it to fester inside, it will always leak out by us lashing out. Third, hatred and violence undermine the fabric of society. Cain's act of violence set a precedent for further discord and strife. Followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of peace and reconciliation, countering the destructive power of hatred. How do we live out these teachings in our daily lives? How can we, when faced with jealousy, anger, and unresolved conflict, rise up to be peacemakers. First, we must address anger promptly. Jesus teaches us to address anger before it festers into something more harmful. We should seek to resolve conflicts quickly and not let anger take root in our hearts. This can be awkward and uncomfortable, but it's better to pursue peace awkwardly than give anger time to dig a deeper burrow in our hearts. Second, seek reconciliation Reconciliation isn't arguing until the other person admits your right. It's understanding that the relationship with the person is more important than being right about something. Instead of fighting with the person face to face, you should see conflict as the two of you fighting side by side for the relationship. Third, you must practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful antidote to hatred. By forgiving others, we release the burden of anger and resentment, allowing healing and reconciliation to take place. This doesn't mean we forget what's been done to us. Healing may still need to take place. However, forgiveness is posturing your heart in such a way where you want God's best for that person. Lastly, we must promote peace. As followers of Jesus, we are called to promote peace and understanding in our communities. This involves being peacemakers, standing against injustice, and fostering an environment of love, dialogue, and respect. As we reflect on Jesus's words in Matthew five twenty one through twenty six and the story of canaan Abel, let us be mindful of the irrosive nature of hatred. May we strive to address our anger to seek reconciliation, to practice forgiveness, and to promote peace in our lives. Let us pray for the strength and the grace to be true citizens of heaven, living out the love and reconciliation that Jesus calls us to. In our next episode, we'll find ourselves wrapped up in a scandalous and devastating story, one of lust, lies, and murder.