August 23: The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” –Genesis 4:8,9
It’s a famous story and very powerful. We often miss that God’s question to Cain did not result in repentance, but resulted in Cain’s question that reveals more about why God was displeased with Cain than the quality of his offering. We know this because the Apostle John tells us: For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.–1 John 3:11-14
In other words, he actually was supposed to be his brother’s keeper. Ironically when Cain is excommunicated from the community, his protest is that he had no brother to keep him. But we do, and His blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
That’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the Supper with Jesus this Sunday.
The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
This Saturday, August 22 is the Redeemer Ladies’ Fellowship and Prayer. Use the contact page for more information.
Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (on Reformed Treasures) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.
Visitors are always welcome!