On Our Way Advent Homily Series—Identifying Sources of Violence
Cameron Overbey
Nov. 29, 2010
Today’s topic: Naming the sources of violence within and around us (p. 168)
Genesis 4:1-15
The introduction to the chapter briefly mentions identifying sources of violence as
part of a process in which the individual strives to eventually live out the life of Jesus by
taking a vow of nonviolence for a year. Coupling these few paragraphs with the story of
Cane and Abel seems to point in a familiar direction as a source of violence in many of
our lives. I’m sure that all of those in the house today with siblings are aware that there is
no one in the world quite capable of bringing the violence out of us as a brother or sister.
Of course, I imagine that our author is looking for something a little deeper when we are
to identify the springs from which the violence flows in our lives.
I find this question difficult to answer. Where is the violence in my life? I
imagine that relatively few Valpo students encounter daily bouts with violent oppressors.
Perhaps a debate gets a little heated or violent words hurt the feelings of a loved one. But
most of us are not viciously persecuted very often if ever. So what shall we say is the
cause of violence? Selfishness? Anger? Hatred? Evil People and Dominant Oppressors?
I’m sure that the word “nonviolence” triggers visions of Ghandi, MLK Jr., and Jesus
Christ crusading against the evil powers that be while being jeered, starved, and
otherwise persecuted by violent people. But the story of Cane and Abel is missing that
“Great and Evil oppressor” element that most of us take for granted when thinking about
nonviolence. This is a story of two brothers, two individuals of equal standing, before
Almighty God.
We’ve all heard the story at least once; Cain works the field, Abel keeps flocks.
Both bring offerings to God, Abel brings his best, Cain doesn’t. God favors Abel’s
offering, Cain sulks, God confronts him, tells him to do right, and Cain takes Abel out
into the field and kills him. Of course, the Sunday School version makes Cain sound as if
he is a complete lowlife… “And that Cain, the dredge of humanity brought God the bug
infested, molding, dead and disgusting crops from his field while he kept the crisp and
delicious ones for himself…” But the truth of the matter is that Cain means no harm with
his offering; he brought some of the fruits of his labor…what more could be expected?
Evidently the best fruits. Suddenly, Cain finds himself outside the will of God despite
having done no less work than his brother, who is still in God’s favor. Certainly he is
frustrated, and not only that but he is caught in his frustration (you know this is
infuriating) and reprimanded by God who basically says, repent and be reconciled with
me or be taken by sin. The rest is history. Sin wins the battle for Cain’s heart and he is
cursed forever.
Perhaps it is cliché to say that “sin” is the source for all violence in our daily lives,
but the first Biblical act of seemingly mindless brutality is a direct result of the reign
Satan has been given over the Earth. If you seek to identify the source of violence in
your life, you need not look any farther than your own fallen heart.
Violence is an indication that an individual’s relationship with God is not where it
ought to be. It shows that the sin once crouching at the door has since broken it down,
ransacked the place, and has taken over the heart. And when and individual is outside of
the will of God, (in sin) even when they don’t intend to be, that still small voice of God
that speaks the words of reconciling grace is often drowned out by the direct taunting of
the evil one, “You’ll never be good enough to get back in line with God, Why serve a
Lord who shows favoritism?, It is not your fault that things are the way they are, it’s your
brother’s, it’s the Jews, it’s the slaves, it’s somebody else, anybody else…if you are rid of
them, then you are rid of your problem.” So sources of violence do include, hatred, evil,
pride, selfishness, etc. But it begins and festers within the hearts of each one of us. Sin is
crouching at the doorstep, for some of us it is master, others are wrestling with it, and
others yet have done what is right, that is, have turned away from themselves and
repented, and are now reconciled to Him.
And this friends, is the reason for Advent and nonviolence; As we struggle amidst
the violence and turmoil of a dark and fallen world in our hearts, Yet Behold, a light is
coming! Sweet reconciliation, a message of God’s redeeming love and grace, which Cain
must’ve longed for, but could never see. And when he comes, our war against sin is won,
the battle already fought on our behalf. And on that glorious day, as it is written in the
prophet Isaiah Chapter 9, “Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled
in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to
us a son is given. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace.”