Reading Plan:
Genesis 4
East of Eden: A Character Analysis Author: Nikki Payton
As a retired English professor, I’ve had rare opportunities to teach the Bible’s influence on modern literature. Writers allude to the Bible because they know its far-reaching power. Works like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, John Milton’s Paradise Lost, Chigozie Obioma’s The Fisherman, and John Steinbeck’s East of Eden all have direct allusions (references) to today’s reading. The common thread is the exploration of what life was like outside of the garden for Adam, Eve, and their children, Cain and Abel.Adam, even in his fallen state, is still loved by God in three ways. First, God provides temporary atonement (forgiveness) of Adam’s sin by performing the first animal sacrifice, and then He re-purposes the animal skins as more suitable clothing than the leaves Adam had sewn together in the Garden (Genesis 3:21; Galatians 1:4). Second, God protects Adam from irrevocable harm by guarding the Tree of Life. Eating its fruit would’ve placed him in a sinful state forever. Finally, God extends his love to Adam and gives him meaningful work (Genesis 3:24). Although life looks differently east of Eden, Adam is assigned to agricultural pursuits and to grow his family, both of which bring honor to God.
Maybe our family or work-life look different outside of Eden. We’re struggling in our marriage or at work with rule changes, personality differences, or less than ideal pay. In the "21 Days of Prayer" series, Pastor Clark mentioned that while we may not have complete control over our work situations, we have 100% control over our attitude. We want to have the attitude that our work is our platform to bring praise to God (Colossians 3:23-24). Eve also experiences the heartache of disappointment. Being “the mother to everyone living” isn’t exactly an accolade (Genesis 3:20). The revelation of her meter running towards death and the reality her womb would only produce the sin woven into her DNA is a painful lifelong burden. She credits God for giving her the ability to give birth to her firstborn son, Cain, and dedicates him to the Lord. She’s hopeful Cain will be the exception to his parents and choose to follow the Lord (Genesis 4:1). However, Cain becomes her greatest shame and disappointment. Cain, like his father, is given an assignment unique to his gifts and talents. He’s a farmer learning the craft by collaborating with his father Adam. Because of the family’s sinful state, it is necessary to continue blood offerings to the Lord (Leviticus 17:11). When he presented God an offering from his harvest instead of a blood sacrifice, the Lord, being a God of second, third, and many chances gave him an opportunity to not only admit his wrong but also to correct his offering (Genesis 4:5-7). In his anger, he spitefully shows God that he already knows all about blood offerings by devising his own way of worship. He murders his brother, condemning himself to a life of wandering (Genesis 4:8,14). God, in his boundless mercy, still shows Cain love by allowing him a fresh start in a new location. Do we, like Cain, compare ourselves to others? Do we secretly covet the financial successes, spiritual blessings, or positions others may hold? The danger of failing to carry out our unique calling and assignment will likely lead to a crash and burn. When God, church leaders, or fellow believers correct us, do we respond with Cain-like pride and bitterness? Do we have a deep need to be right even at the cost of our relationship with others? The Scriptures are in place to correct and edify us. (2 Timothy 3:16).
Abel has a profile embedded in Scripture based on what his brother chooses to do and not do. We don’t hear his voice, his declaration of faith, or his resistance to his brother. All we have is the singular action of offering God the fattiest portion of his flock (Genesis 4:4). When Apostle John compares Cain and Abel, he reveals in Scripture that Cain belonged to the evil one while Abel was righteous (1 John 3:12). Believers are minorities and are hated by the enemy and all his evil workers. Abel is the first among an extensive line of martyrs: Stephen, Jesus’ disciples, William Tyndale, and countless others from around the world. Abel’s death isn’t cursed but is a crown of suffering for His namesake.
Reflection & Response:
- Adam: In what ways, like Adam, does God provide, protect, and give in your daily work?
- Eve: How can we lead our children to come to know, love, and follow Jesus?
- Cain: How can I take a posture of humility in disagreements?
- Abel: How can I wear my suffering as a crown instead of a burden?
Father, thank you for these beautiful stories where I can see a bit of myself in all of them. The Scriptures, you promised were beneficial for teaching, reproving, and setting matters straight. Lord, if there’s anything in me that’s crooked, let your Word make it straight. I trust my life for You are my Great Potter, and in your hands, I’m made whole and beautiful. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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