Let us ponder the words of the Apostle John who wrote in 1 John 3:11-12 [RSV], 11. For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12. and not be like Cain who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain murder Abel? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's were righteous.
Just like a good prosecutor delivering his closing argument in a murder trial, John gives us the motive for Cain’s heinous deed: He murdered his brother because he envied his brother’s righteous works.
Our God is a loving God, and because He is, He sought through His counseling of Cain, to ward off Cain’s eventual crime. If there was anyone in history who was given a chance, it was Cain.
3. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4. and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5. but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
6. The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7. If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:3-7 [RSV])
Think about it for a moment. Which one of us would not love to have God tap us on the shoulder just as temptation is creeping into our hearts and say, “You might not want to go down that road, son! That is really not a very good idea! You might wish to reconsider!” But that is what God did with Cain. He spoke to Cain and told him that he was in grave danger of sin taking over his life. God loved Cain, He tried to help Cain, but Cain refused to listen. He let pride take over his heart, and envy over his brother grew into hatred which culminated in first-degree murder.
Cain blamed Abel for Cain’s unrighteousness, and so he laid his plans. He did not act in a moment of passion, and there were no extenuating circumstances. After all the loving warning God gave Cain, Cain’s hardened heart chose to go the route of sin.
But what about us? What more loving warning do we need of the dangers facing us than what God has given us in His word? Is sin crouching at our door? If so, what choice will we make? Will we be like Cain and harden our heart and reject God, or will we hearken to the loving words of the Savior Who pleads, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 [RSV]).
May the Lord bless you!
Just like a good prosecutor delivering his closing argument in a murder trial, John gives us the motive for Cain’s heinous deed: He murdered his brother because he envied his brother’s righteous works.
Our God is a loving God, and because He is, He sought through His counseling of Cain, to ward off Cain’s eventual crime. If there was anyone in history who was given a chance, it was Cain.
3. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4. and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5. but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
6. The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7. If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:3-7 [RSV])
Think about it for a moment. Which one of us would not love to have God tap us on the shoulder just as temptation is creeping into our hearts and say, “You might not want to go down that road, son! That is really not a very good idea! You might wish to reconsider!” But that is what God did with Cain. He spoke to Cain and told him that he was in grave danger of sin taking over his life. God loved Cain, He tried to help Cain, but Cain refused to listen. He let pride take over his heart, and envy over his brother grew into hatred which culminated in first-degree murder.
Cain blamed Abel for Cain’s unrighteousness, and so he laid his plans. He did not act in a moment of passion, and there were no extenuating circumstances. After all the loving warning God gave Cain, Cain’s hardened heart chose to go the route of sin.
But what about us? What more loving warning do we need of the dangers facing us than what God has given us in His word? Is sin crouching at our door? If so, what choice will we make? Will we be like Cain and harden our heart and reject God, or will we hearken to the loving words of the Savior Who pleads, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 [RSV]).
May the Lord bless you!
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