“Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.” (Gen 4:4-10)
Thoughts for today: 28 April 2020
Cain felt an anger brewing inside him. Was he not the first born? Had he not first brought his offering? Why did God then reject him? Did he not work so hard for this offering? In His mercy God visited Cain with a promise – “If you do well, will you not be accepted?” There was hope for Cain also. He needed to do well. What did God mean? Cain needed to humble himself before his Creator. However Cain had a deep struggle inside. He could not hide his temper anymore. His sinful nature was revealed. Although he tried to ignore the sin-issue, it emerged and was seen. Unknown to Cain, Abel had beforehand been through God’s mill. Abel acknowledged his sin in his blood-offering and was therefore blessed. Now was Cain’s time to acknowledge his own sin as well. However, Cain quickly found his own quick-fix. In his anger he removed Abel from the earth. He removed and buried his ‘problem’. However, sin cannot be dealt with in this way. Cain’s sin remained… Abel’s blood called to God from the earth. Again Cain tried to hide his sin. But God knew.
Friend is there something you are trying to hide? Something that you have done, that is calling from the earth to God? The Bible teaches us that slander is the same as murder in God’s eyes. You thought nobody saw, but God saw. The blood of your brother is calling to God. Why don’t you do well and bring your guilt to Christ? When Jesus died on the cross, a murderer found His forgiveness right at the end of his life. Christ is able to forgive you too. You need to deal with your own sin-issue. Call out to Him today. Cain refused, he went his own way and was cursed. Which way will you choose?
