Kinship Beyond Blood: Redefining Relationships Through Faith and Responsibility (04/20/'24) -Viewpoint

Kinship Beyond Blood: Redefining Relationships Through Faith and Responsibility The passage "YOU WILL BE A HOMELESS WANDERER ON THE EARTH" from Genesis 4:12 captures a profound sense of displacement that resonates through the ages. Cain, despite his descent into homelessness and wandering, built a lineage, while Abel's legacy is preserved only within the narrative. This highlights a poignant contrast: physical presence versus enduring moral influence. The echo of Abel's voice, though he is long deceased, raises a poignant question about kinship and spiritual fraternity: "Who is my brother/mother?" This query finds an answer in the teachings of Jesus, as recorded across multiple gospels. He redefines familial bonds not by blood but by spiritual commitment: "Whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister, and mother." This idea is further emphasized when Jesus declares, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear and do the word of God" (Luke 8:21). It suggests that true family is forged through shared faith and obedience to divine guidance. The narrative then revisits the foundational question posed by God to Adam in Genesis 3:9, "Where are you?" which is mirrored in God's inquiry to Cain about Abel's whereabouts. Cain's infamous response, "I don't know. Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9), encapsulates a denial of responsibility that extends beyond a mere avoidance of accountability for his brother's fate—it reflects a broader evasion of our responsibilities to each other. The concept "HOME IS WHERE OUR STORY BEGINS" invites us to ponder deeper questions about our roles within various relationships. It challenges us to consider whether we truly act as 'keepers'—protectors and caretakers—for our loved ones. The mention that half of the homeless population is already baptized Christians adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that despite spiritual initiation, many find themselves physically and perhaps spiritually displaced. It prompts a reflection on the community and church's role in addressing and ameliorating such profound disconnections. Ultimately, this passage calls us to confront our responsibilities to each other as spiritual and societal brethren, urging us to not only listen to but actively engage with the divine and moral imperatives that define who we are to one another. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 20, 2024)