According to Wiktionary, “raising Cain” means “to cause trouble or commotion; to behave in a disruptive manner.  The expression implies bringing that evil to earth.”  The first human being born to this planet has an awful reputation.  Sadly, he had so much promise!  His mother was elated at his birth and no doubt was hopeful that he would be the “crusher of the serpent’s head.”  He crushed a head, but not the serpent’s.  However, God’s mercy toward Cain was profound.  Wave upon wave of grace was extended to Cain but he refused again and again.  It’s amazing what we will choose over relationship with God.  It’s sad how deep our pride can be rooted.  It’s horrifying to think of the results.  Adam and Eve never heard of Jim Dobson or Paul Tripp but they probably knew a few things about parenting.  They may have had several hundred children given their life span, but their first two boys turned out very different from one another.  As we continue our study of “Longing for the Advent,” we’ll see how the story of Cain fits the narrative and the appetite it creates for the arrival of “the One.”