CAIN AND ABEL

What is the story of Cain and Abel all about? That is really a more complex question than what it first appears. While it is true that Cain murdered Abel, the story contains so many more lessons we can learn. Some of the lessons are obvious, while others are a little more subtle.

?Cain and Abel both offer sacrifices to God, Abel’s is accepted, Cain’s is not. There is much discussion concerning why God accepted Abel’s offering and not Cain’s. Some believe that God did accept Cain’s offering because it was not a blood offering. I don’t think that is true. Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer who raised crops. Each man would offer what he had. I think the answer is found in Genesis 4:3, 4- Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The indication here is Cain took no regard for what he was offering God, he just brought some of his crops. Abel, on the other hand, brought the best he had to offer. Of course, Cain was angry that God would not accept his sacrifice. The question is, who was in the wrong, Cain or Abel?

?The first lesson we learn here is that God desires and deserves the best we have to offer. Think about that the next time you go to worship. Are you offering God your best or just “some” of yourself? I think this story also reveals that Cain is guilty of the sin of greed, which Paul calls idolatry (Colossians 3:5). He wanted to keep the best for himself. It also reveals a lack of trust in God.

?God allows Cain a chance to rectify the situation, as He does for all of us. Look at what the Lord says to Cain in Genesis 4:7- If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now we see the sin of pride. Cain’s pride would not allow him to admit he had done the wrong thing and then do the right thing, even though God warned him. So, he plots and carries out the murder of his brother. Cain allowed sin to master him.

?Cain’s action has severe consequences. God curses him and drives away from his family. Cain also laments that he will be away from the presence of God and fears that whoever finds him will kill him (Genesis 4:14). Here we see the unconditional of love of God in action, Genesis 4:15-15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.

?I often wonder, did Adam and Eve stress the importance of being obedient to God to their children? They had a similar experience to Cain’s as they disobeyed God and was driven out of the Garden of Eden. God also provided for them by making clothes for them to take away their shame.

?There are many great lessons to learn from This account alone. It is worth an in-depth study!

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Read I Samuel 15:22