My Brother’s Keeper – Ty Manns, Writer/Producer

Am I my brother’s keeper? We all hear God ask the question to Cain in Genesis 4. We know the answer should be “yes,” but is that what is on our hearts?

Cain’s offering to God was rejected because he refused to honor God by sacrifice – as God had demonstrated to Adam and Eve after the fall by killing an innocent animal for their covering (Innocent Jesus for our covering). Abel followed that example, but Cain didn’t. Cain’s offering was rejected so in anger, Cain made a different sacrifice. He murdered his brother.

When confronted by God, he blew off the obvious responsibility all of us have to take care of one another as people made in the image of God. “I’m not responsible for him,” Cain said.

Nowhere does he repent. Rather, he complains about his punishment. Even then, we see God’s grace arise as he puts a mark on Cain so no one will kill him when he was sent away out of God’s presence.

How many times have I walked past opportunities to help, and looked at those in need and thought they should be able to do something for themselves? May God fill us with grace to move beyond our idea of who needs help and reach out to the hurting world with his love. Otherwise, as he warns Cain before the murder, if you don’t do what is right, sin is crouching at the door eager to control you.