“Greater Than I Can Bear” (Gen 4:13)

“And Cain said to the LORD, 'My punishment is greater than I can bear!” (Gen 4:13)

You can bear your punishment by the forgiveness and grace of Christ; He carries it for you,and you rest, instead of labor (Matt 11:28) .

Cain didn't see what you and I see today, that God is gracious (Gen 4:6-8). He killed Abel because he was accepted of God, and Cain wasn't. He didn't see the way of acceptance is by the blood of Another, so that we can have grace. God, the giver of life, gives us ETERNAL LIFE, paying for it Himself, and giving it FREELY to any and every sinner that asks. He is not ungracious. Our Lord, standing before those who would eventually turn away from Him said uncompromisingly, even as He wept over perishing sinners in other places, saying, “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven”; it is for you (John 6:32).

He is the God that came to Adam and Eve as they were hiding out and promised them life eternal, though misery must be borne (Gen 3:10). And, the same God would have FORGIVEN and given all manner of grace to Cain both before and after his fall, if he'd only asked and looked to God instead of despising Him.

God gave Cain a mark to spare his life, warning that others shouldn't do to Cain what he'd done to Abel, his brother (vs15). This should have revealed the justness, mercy, and trustworthiness of God, whereby he should have pleaded mercy, rather than be satisfied out of His presence - “And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” (vs16-17).

You and I have sinned, like Cain, but we may be forgiven, like Abel, and spend our persecuted days honoring Him who loves us. He heals our wounds, and He is bringing us to heaven by death's door (Gen 3:19-21).

Don't miss grace thinking your life is TOO miserable or things are not fair, as if God isn't right. Seek relief from the God who gives you the pain. He'll give it (Rom 10:13).