The Cain Proverb
In case you don't know Cain, he was the guy who committed the first murder. Recorded in Genesis 4 of the Old Testament Bible, the story of Cain and Abel is a tragedy that left one brother dead and another without family and outside the presence of God. In the account of Cain's murder of his brother, Abel, we see the consequences of taking innocent blood, its effect on the murderer, and how God views such actions.
In his Proverbs, King Solomon of Israel addresses the matter of murder. In Proverbs 28:17, the wise king instructs that a person "burdened with the blood of another" (a murderer) will be a "fugitive" on the earth until he finds "death." He admonishes the reader to offer no "help" to such a person. Another translation states, "Let no one hold them back." We see in this proverb the truth that being guilty of taking innocent blood alters the course of the guilty party's life.
The Cain Proverb condemns murderers to the life of a fugitive. But Jesus frees the murderer to reconciliation with God..
The truth illustrated in Proverbs 28 directly corresponds to what happened in Cain's life. From the point of killing his brother, Cain's life was totally altered. A "worker of the soil" was all at once "driven from the ground." A farmer became a "wanderer on the earth." Cain declared his punishment too severe because he was being driven from the land and God's presence. He proclaimed he would become a "restless wanderer." In response, God put a mark on Cain so that no one would kill him, and Cain left the presence of God and lived in "the land of Nod" (Nod means wandering). Cain wandered in "wandering."
It is interesting how Solomon's reference to a murderer being a "fugitive until death" fits precisely with how Cain lived after Abel's murder. A restless wanderer in a land of wandering here on earth.
Let's fast forward a few thousand years and look at what another wise person said about murderers. This time, it is Jesus referencing one of the commandments given through Moses. The setting was the sermon on the mount, and Jesus was teaching thousands about the Kingdom of God. This is what he said about murder, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire." Jesus instructs the listener to reconcile with a brother whenever there is something between them before making an offering to God. Obviously, Jesus took murder to a whole new level with this statement. Based on His explanation, there is not one person who cannot be labeled a murderer; therefore, all are subject to the judgment of a murderer.
If the Messiah's words are valid, and they are, how is it that all of us are not wanderers in the land of wandering? Is this some cosmic injustice toward Cain, or is there a hidden key of redemption for the murderer in what Jesus said? Well, the key is revealed more in what Jesus did! Although it may be hard to accept, it is not hidden. The murderer is indeed judged with alienation from God, the Creator, for taking the life of one of His created beings. The murderer is to live as a fugitive awaiting the grave so that the wandering will cease and damnation can claim its due. But Jesus became a wanderer, a fugitive, here on earth. Though He was innocent of any wrong, He died a criminal's death so the murderer could be reconciled to God. Jesus walked into the land of Nod and invited the wanderer to a new home with soil that bears fruit and into an eternal family. Because of Jesus and what He has done, there is a place for the murderer in the Kingdom of God.
If you find yourself with blood on your hands, if you know the alienation that comes from hatred and bitterness toward a fellow human being, if you are wandering in the land of wandering, know that you have a Savior. There is One who was Himself murdered so that you could find redemption and reconciliation with your Father God, your Creator, and the One who loves you. You have wandered with the murder mark long enough. Receive forgiveness and be reconciled so that your offering will be received. Forsake the land of Nod and accept the free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.