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THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (V)
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
Jude 11
Genesis 4:1-12
 
“… Am I my brother’s keeper?”
 
THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (V)
 
Once again, Jude turns to the Old Testament to furnish examples of the character of apostasy. These false teachers presently threatening the church, Jude says, have “gone in the way of Cain” (Jude 11), walking in step with the very first (human) murderer recorded in scripture.
 
The “way of Cain” is described in detail in Genesis 4:1-12. It is the way of pride and self-will. In the first place, Cain’s behaviour reveals his lack of any sense of obligation to God. While Abel took care to offer the “firstlings” of his flock, and their “fat,” Cain simply and carelessly “brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD” (Gen 4:3-4). Abel, by faith, obeyed God and brought an acceptable sacrifice; Cain proudly assumed that anything he cared to offer, God was obliged to accept. Both were evidently aware of God’s requirements ‒ God said to Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” (Gen 4:7) ‒ but Cain disregarded them.
 
In the second place, Cain’s behaviour reveals his lack of any sense of obligation to his fellow man. Seething with anger and resentment at God and at his brother, Cain murdered Abel in the field. And when questioned by God as to his brother’s whereabouts, he retorted, “I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9). The word “keeper” has the sense of “guardian.” Cain was denying any responsibility for his brother’s well-being. In effect, he said to God, “Why should you ask me where my brother is? It is of no concern to me where he is, or how he is. If something has happened to him, it is not my affair.”
 
The apostates, of whom Jude warns, are similar in their character to Cain. Full of themselves, they have no thought for truly honouring God; they make up lies about Him, and do not submit their teaching to the authority of His Word. Nor have they any sense of care for their fellow man, but freely exploit others for their own gain. Theirs is a pitiless self-obsession. Dear reader, let us never dismiss our obligation to God, for we are all His creatures, and ought to obey Him. Let us never ignore our obligation to others, for we are all made in the image of God, and He commands us to love one another.
 
THOUGHT: I am God’s creature, and my brother’s keeper.
PRAYER: Lord, may I fulfil my responsibilities to Thee and others.

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