Some Things are Worse Than Death
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him. ”
First, this is another example of why one cannot take the Bible literally. If Adam and Eve were the first humans created by God, and they produced two sons, Cain and Abel, where did these other people come from, whom Cain feared? Interpreted literally, it doesn’t make sense. Only when we take the stories of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel figuratively does the truth of the narrative come to life.
The story of Cain and Abel is a fable that speaks to the stern issue of bitterness, resentment, and murder. It is a story that doesn’t have to be factual to be true. Next, we address the second understanding within this passage. God gives Cain a sentence worse than death. God sentences Cain to life.
There is a lesson to be learned from this Biblical truth. The death penalty is the easy way out for the convicted. God knew that the only learning that can come from heinous crimes is being forced to live with them.
If someone murdered my loved one, I would want vengeance. I am not proud to admit it. This weakness comes from my sinful nature. When the grief and rage move from my emotions to the sacred decision-making of ethics and justice, I can see that the most painful thing one can do is make the person live with their earned guilt and despair. Sure, the person may act like it is no big deal, but God’s Spirit has a way of bringing truth to one’s heart, mind, and soul. Further, allowing the murderer to live in prison gives everyone involved the chance to be transformed by the situation.
It takes a massive leap of faith to let God’s vengeance be done, not our own. It doesn’t mean the murderer should go free. It does mean that capital punishment is not what God intends for our society. Today, think about your views on this controversial subject. Pray for God to lead you to a faithful understanding, whatever that may be. Finally, pray for those who have had their lives fractured by murder. Then, pray for those who have murdered another. They are suffering, and we must pray that their hearts transform as they take responsibility for their horrific actions.
