Impeachment Proceedings for Pain

There are many people today who need to begin impeachment proceedings for their pain so that it no longer rules their lives. The problem with unhealed pain is that it quickly takes the lead in life and influences every waking decision. Left attended it leads to anger and even worse.

         The first indication of pain is a blessing because it points to something that needs to be healed. But so many try “home remedies” rather than going straight to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can heal a broken heart, a wounded soul, an offended spirit. Early on in the Bible story you find what can happen with unhealed pain and the direction it leads; the story of Cain and Abel.

The third chapter of Genesis closes with God performing the first sacrifice for the sin of Adam and Eve; he clothed them with animal skins, which meant God killed at least one, probably two animals. In doing this, God showed them the only way they could approach him because of their sins; by sacrifice. The fourth chapter opens with Cain and Abel bringing their sacrifices before God. Adam and Eve had taught their sons what God taught them.

         Cain, the first born, was “…a worker of the ground…” and Abel was “…a keeper of the sheep…” Genesis 4:2. The word “worker” is the Hebrew word abad, which is used in Genesis 2:15 describing what God told Adam to do in the garden. He was to work it, or tend it. Cain was a farmer. Abel was a shepherd. The word for “keeper” is the Hebrew word raw-aw, and is used throughout the Old Testament to describe what shepherds do; they lead, feed, guard, and protect sheep.

This word is used in 1 Samuel 16:11 describing young David before he fought and killed Goliath; he was keeping the sheep. God referred to the kings of Judah and Israel as shepherds of his people, his flock. This is seen clearly in Ezekiel 34 where God rebukes the “shepherds” of Israel for not leading, feeding, finding, healing, and protecting his people. In this chapter God also said that he himself would shepherd his people; a prophecy of the coming of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (see John 10).

Cain brought his grain offering to God for the sacrifice and Abel brought his offering from the herd for the sacrifice, and their fat portions (the best part, as we are all too familiar with). The fourth and fifth verses of this chapter are definitive; “And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.” The word “regard” is the Hebrew word shaw-aw, which means to gaze intently at something. And the word “no regard” is lo shaw-aw, which means to turn away. It is even used to describe blindness.

What did God see in Abel and his offering that pleased him, and what was missing in Cain’s that caused God to reject Cain and his offering? The book of Hebrews answers that question; “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts…for without faith it is impossible to please God, for those who would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:4, 6.

Cain knew that Abel pleased God and that he did not. Abel had the peace and joy that comes from knowing you are accepted by God and Cain did not, and he knew it. The Bible says that he countenance fell and that he was very angry. Cain was offended and hurt, which left unattended leads to anger and violence. God spoke to Cain about his anger and warned him of the outcome if left unhealed. Cain had no regard for God’s word and we all know the outcome.

Everyone gets hurt in life. Some must deal with deep disappointment and pain. Others must deal with terrible abuse. Regardless of the depth of pain, only God can heal it. Ask God to show you where it hurts. Your pain hurts him more than it does you. Ask him to heal the pain because you do not want to be led by it any longer. Tell God you are ready for the impeachment proceedings to begin. Dethrone pain before it leads you where you do not want to go.

Memorize and meditate today on Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted that I might learn your statues.”