JUDE: WEEK 2 DAY 1

Jude 1:11 (& Genesis 4:1-16)

11 Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion

There are several people mentioned in Jude verse 11 who we can read about in the Old Testament. First we have Cain. You can read his story in Genesis 4. Cain was born to Adam and Eve, along with his brother Abel. Cain offered “some” of his harvest to the Lord, while Abel gave God the “first fruits.” Because of their heart posture, God received Abel’s offering and not Cain's. This made Cain jealous and angry, and he killed his own brother. 

Abel offered God acceptable worship, Cain did what he wanted. Those who follow the way of Cain are jealous of those who follow God. Rather than submitting to God themselves, they try to destroy those who do. Fueled by jealousy and envy they tear down others with lies, slander, and other abuses. As Jesus taught us, if we have hated someone, we have already murdered them in our heart (Matthew 5:21-30). The “way of Cain” describes those who are disobedient to God. They know the commands of Jesus, but they would rather design their own way. They do not follow the advice of Proverbs 3:5-6. Take some time to meditate on these verses:

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

    and do not lean on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge him,

    and he will make straight your paths.