The Greater Abel works for this Cain

(Gen 4.13) Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.

Cain killed his brother because he was jealous of him before the Lord.  His own glory was eclipsed by the glory and pleasure of God.  The requisite judgment ran downhill upon him and he was crushed.  He could not bear it.

Likewise I have felt the word of the LORD thunder and bring intimidation through my conscience.  Furthermore, I have heard it with clarity through the Word of God, the Scriptures.  While sitting under the unescapable shadow of divine displeasure and judgment you have no choice but to just put your hands up in frustration, declaring impotency and defeat: “My punishment is greater than I can bear.”  For truly if it was my time to open wide and drink down the cup of holy displeasure for my sin then I would truly be quoting Cain.

However, in God’s kind and merciful providence he has provided.  He sent his beloved Son to obediently offer up an acceptable sacrifice on my behalf.  The Lord Jesus is his brother’s keeper indeed.  The greater Abel’s blood speaks a better word (Heb. 12.24). Upon the cross he bore the unbearable punishment for me.  The good shepherd, the true ‘keeper of the sheep’ offered up a perfect sacrifice for such a rebel as me who was a  poor ‘worker of the ground’ (Gen. 4.2).

I am humbled and refreshed this morning that while my offering was self-centered, works based idolatry; Jesus offered perfection perfectly for me; and he remains accepted.  And the curse remains dealt with.

Possibly Related posts:

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2. God is an Exclusivist! conclusion
3. Christ Obtains his Elect Spouse by Conquest
4. What Image of God Works for You?
5. If you don’t get questions about works and grace then are you preaching the gospel?

One Response to “The Greater Abel works for this Cain”

1. Tweets that mention The Greater Abel works for this Cain- Irish Calvinist -- Topsy.com says:

   November 12, 2009 at 5:57 pm

   [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jorge Bessa, Erik Raymond. Erik Raymond said: New @ the blog… The Greater Abel works for this Cain http://is.gd/4ThMx [...]