The ThreadIsampula

“Unfair?”

This is one of the most misunderstood passages in the book of Genesis. God respected Abel’s offering but not Cain’s? They both brought offerings to God! What is God’s problem here? No wonder Cain was angry!

Several clues in this passage reveal the heart issue God was exposing. Cain brought an offering of fruit “in the process of time.” Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. What does that mean? Abel put God first, but Cain thought of God whenever he got around to it; other personal priorities had his attention. These men were only one generation from the creation of humanity, so it’s not like Cain didn’t know who his Creator was or what had happened with his parents in the Garden of Eden. God’s statement, “If you do well,” lets us know that Cain knew the right thing to do but didn’t do it.

Unrighteous anger is like a dashboard light on a car that indicates something is amiss. It is often an expression of what is happening inside your soul: maybe frustration that we are not getting our way or not trusting that God’s ways are wiser than ours. Cain’s anger was lit on fire when God’s will crossed his selfish desires.

Rather than concluding that God treated him unfairly, notice the goodness and mercy God displayed when he entreated Cain to get his heart right and warned him that sin was crouching nearby to bring him down. He even reminded Cain that his grace was present to help Cain have victory over sin.

Question: Do you have any “Holy Spirit warning lights” indicating a root issue God wants to address?

Prayer: Father, forgive me for not putting you first in my life, for bottling up mistrust or unbelief rather than laying all my concerns at your feet. I cast all my cares upon you and acknowledge that you are worthy of all my heart, and I receive your peace that comes from knowing that you are good and have my best in mind.