Am I my brother's keeper?

Am I my brother’s keeper?

Give or take, the first two questions that God asks in Genesis are “Where are you?” and “Where is your brother?”.  We responded with shame in the first instance and in defiance in the second.

I’ve always found it interesting that these are the first (translated) questions that we are asked.  I see this as God immediately coming to us in a relational capacity.  God knew where Adam and Eve were, and God knew full well where Abel was.

I prefer to see this as God asking questions then that he’s also asking today.  God really wants to know “where” we are.  Let’s break that down a bit.

Where are you?

Where are you right now?  If you’re like a lot of the world, you’re sitting on your butt at home.  But just like in Genesis, I don’t think the question is your physical location.  “Where are you?” is something that I believe we are being asked every day. 

Where are you in your career?  Where are you with your family and personal relationships?

Thinking about these types of questions brings me back to the first of what I believe are the only two commandments; Love God with all your heart, mind, soul etc.  The most important question that would apply here would be “Where are you in your relationship with God?”  While we may not ask ourselves this as much as we should, I think it’s important to examine from time to time.

Where is your Brother?

This can bring us to the other great commandment of Love Your Neighbour.  As Jesus taught us, our brothers and sisters are not just blood but I believe can ultimately be expanded to everyone you meet or interact with.   

Why is this important now?  Well in the days of Covid, love for your neighbour is coming under question.  We are seeing a daily enactment version of every man/woman for themselves. 

Why should I wear a mask?  Why should I stay home?  Why is my hair salon closed?   I’m not sick and if you are, just stay home so the rest of us don’t get it.  The government is just trying to control me.  I’m not a sheep.  Give the government an inch and they’ll take a mile!

Does any of this sound familiar?  We have an opportunity to model exactly what Jesus told us.  Love your neighbour as yourself.  By helping to flatten the curve, we can limit not only our exposure but how much we expose others to this virus.  We can help to make sure hospitals are not overrun and as a result more can survive and thrive after this is over.  Is trying to save lives not “loving your neighbour”?  I can’t quote all of the chapters but I’m 100% sure that Jesus never said, “let’s sacrifice some of the older folks so the rest of you can get back to work”.

If all of this has taught anything I hope that the majority start to have a view that includes “Yes, I am my brother’s keeper”.  We’re all in different boats but we’re headed toward the same ocean (nakedpastor paraphrase) so let’s work together on the way.