Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Riches and Success
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Riches and Success: Cain’s Family
The Bible reveals truths by studying the events of Cain and his family.
- Genesis 4:18-24, “And unto E’noch was born I’rad: and I’rad begat Me-hu’ja-el: and
Me-hu’ja-el begat Me-thusa-el: and Me-thusa-el begat La’mech. And La’mech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was A’dah, and the name of the other Zil’lah. And A’dah bare Ja’bal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother’s name was Ju’bal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zil’lah, she also bare Tu’bal-cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tu’bal-cain was Na’a-mah. And La’mech said unto his wives, A’dah and Zil’lah, Hear my voice; ye wives of La’mech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly La’mech seventy and sevenfold.”
On the surface it seems that Cain’s family prospered after he walked out of the presence of God. Why does God put these verses in the Bible?
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Riches and Success: Examples for our Learning
These verses were written for our examples to teach us.
Cain’s family did achieve success in the world, but success in this world is fleeting. Also, the Bible reveals a heart problem. (Not a physical heart problem, but a spiritual heart problem.)
Lamech was the first recorded polygamist, and the second recorded murderer. But his worst sin is considering himself greater than God. (“If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly La’mech seventy and sevenfold.” Genesis 4:24)
Remember that the Lord said, “…whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold…” Genesis 4:15.
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Riches and Success: Consequences
Cain’s rebellion was continued by his family.
Cain’s refusal to submit to the chastisement of God and walking out of God’s presence produced consequences for his family. All remembrance of his family has been wiped out except for these few verses in the Bible.
Our actions of today certainly have an impact on our children tomorrow. Cain chose material wealth over the wealth of knowing and being eternally blessed by God.
Jesus spoke a parable, (Luke 12:15-21), about coveting earthly riches.
- Luke 12:15, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
The parable reveals a rich man who revels in his riches and dies suddenly. The parable ends with the following verse.
- Luke 12:21, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Riches in this life are only temporal. Riches toward God are eternal.
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Riches and Success: The Point
What is the point of today’s blog?
Simply this. Just as Cain’s refusal to submit to God caused consequences for his family, so also our refusal to submit to God causes consequences for our families.
- Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Just as mankind has rebelled from God, so also children rebel against their parents at some point. But, if we raise them in the ways of the Lord they will return and be blessed.
Remember, God will forgive anyone who repents and turns to the Lord Jesus Christ, but those who train their children in the ways of the Lord can rely on definite promises from God.
In Christ,
J-me
Copyright 2009 J-me
The Articles in this Series Are:
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Offerings
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Cains Sin
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Deception
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – No Repentance
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Defiance
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Cain Leaves God’s Presence
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Cain Builds Enoch
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Worldly Riches and Success
Tragedy of Abel and Cain – Calling on the Name of the Lord
