Continuing on in his letter, Jude the brother of Jesus, issues a statement of deep grief for those he has been describing as ungodly, immoral, evil men.
Jude 11 (ESV): Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.
Cain was the first born son of Adam and Eve, the first offspring of the fall. The bible describes him as a farmer, or someone who worked the land. He had a younger brother named Abel, who was a shepherd, or tended to the livestock. The bible describes the first sacrifice offered to God:
Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (Genesis 4:2-5)
Contrasting the two sacrifices, Cain is thought to have brought a minimal offering (fruits of the soil), where Abel brings the best (fat portions) from the firstborn. Cain did not do well, because like Hebrews 11:4 states it was done out of work, not faith. (Read this great TGC article)
What was the way of Cain?
He offered a sacrifice of works, and was angered and jealous when it was not accepted, uncontrollably enraged he killed his brother and then lied to God!
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (v.9)
God rightfully judges Cain for his murderous acts, then he begs for mercy.
“My punishment is more than I can bear.” (v.13)
and God gives this murderous liar mercy…
But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. (V.15-16)
Yet, Cains descendants walk in his way. In some manner they benefit from Gods mercy or universal grace, as they develop a new family line outside of the presence of God. They expand in their territory, and size. They presumably establish communities, and a society, even a city. Certainly, they could have learned from their patriarchs error. They could have sought to live a life seeking the Lord, a life of faith, love and peace. They could have hoped to return to the presence of the Lord, to seek out repentance and reconciliation. This was not the case, the bible teaches us about Cains descendant Lamech, who like his patriarch is prideful and murderous, and threatens violence, bragging even to his wives!
Lamech said to his wives,
“Adah and Zillah, listen to me;
wives of Lamech, hear my words.
I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man for injuring me.
If Cain is avenged seven times,
then Lamech seventy-seven times.” (v. 23-24)
By Gods mercy, Cains line continues. In time, the wickedness of humanity increases, and the fallen sons of God corrupt it even more. (Read my blog on Moral Sex, and this on the Nephilim)
The bible also speaks of another line, that of Seth’s.
Adam made love to his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord. (Gen 4:25-26)
Seth’s line begins in act of mercy specifically for Adam and Eve, but even more profoundly for all of humanity. Satan, now thinking he had stopped Gods promised seed of Eve, by the death of Abel and leading astray of Cain, was faced with a new dilemma. From Seth, came a new hope for humanity.
At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord.
Like Jude wrote, woe to them. For they abandoned themselves, and for what? To Balaams error?
Balaam was the son of Bezer, and his donkey spoke to him by Gods intervention. Jude references this story, like Peter does in his second letter:
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Bezer, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—an animal without speech—who spoke with a human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. (2 Peter 2:15-16)
This is a story from Numbers, you can watch this video to get a quick snapshot.
Balaam was a pagan prophet of Baal, he was by hired by King Balak to curse Israel while they were in the lowlands of Moab waiting to enter the promised land. Every time he tried to curse them, God opened his mouth and blessed Israel.
Oh, Satan you wicked serpent of old – you really thought you could thwart God? That you could kill Abel, that Eve wouldn’t have another son by Gods grace? That you could stop the promised seed through murder and rebellion? God uses the ark to give grace to His line, His appointed, elected, saved. God saves them from the judgement He poured out. He won’t save you Balaam – not the false prophets or false gods. You won’t escape his judgement. Just as Cains line was judged for their prideful murderous intentions, so will you and all of humanity that turns from his presence to walk away like Cain. Those that “live” off of Gods universal grace and pervert his mercy as a license to continue in their evil ways. Like Korahs rebellion the earth, creation itself will swallow you up. Fire, a created element will shame you for eternity and be your master.
Even so, so the faithful will walk in Seth’s line, into the promised land, and remain forever in Gods presence.
So who do you walk like? Who are you following? Where are they leading you?
Good&Well 