Genesis 4 gives us an account of the lives of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. There are a few important lessons to be learnt from their lives in the light of today’s reading.

 

• Worship and Offering (Vs.3-5):  In the Old Testament, we see instructions about the ways to offer worship and sacrifices to God. These instructions were from God and were to be observed. Both Cain and Abel brought their first fruits, the best of all they had but God’s favour was on Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering did not please God. We cannot worship God in any manner we want to and offer any sacrifice that is convenient and comfortable to us. Romans 12:1&2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” 

 

• No favouritism with God (Vs.6-7):  God rejected Cain and his offering but spoke to him when he was angry and downcast. God warned him about sin overtaking him and at the same time encouraged him in doing what is right. Doing right in the sight of God and not in the sight of man is what matters.  God does not forsake and abandon us when we are wrong but will always warn and encourage us to do the right thing.  God is always willing to offer us a second chance!

 

• Our Thought life (Vs.8, 9):  God knows what is in our hearts and thoughts, the intent and motives behind our actions.  Prov.16:2 says, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.” Cain was angry at heart with God and his brother.  He tricked Abel into going with him to the field with an evil motive.  God had warned him about sin, its desire to rule him and encouraged him to overcome the sin in his heart. He failed! It is very important to humble ourselves and set our hearts right with God. We need to examine the thoughts, motives and intents of our hearts which are to be always right and pleasing to God. 

 

• Consequence of Sin (Vs.10-12):  There is no way we can hide anything from God: God knew what Cain had done even before He asked him. Cain answered God and said that he did not know where Abel was and added that he was not his brother’s keeper. Cain blatantly lied and tried to hide his sin. This is what sin does to us. We become the children of Satan – the father of lies.  Curse came upon Cain as a result of his sin- he became a restless wanderer.  God has called us to be a blessing not a curse.  Let us ensure that sin will not be master of any area of our life.

 

• Repentance (V13): When a curse came upon Cain, he did not plead to God for forgiveness. He was only concerned about the suffering he had to go through because of the punishment. Cain was not sorry for his sin; he only felt that his punishment was too hard to bear.  As a result he went away cursed forever. True repentance brings God’s forgiveness- if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrong. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2Cor.7:10)

Prayer: “LORD, I acknowledge today, that You are a just and a loving God and I come to You with a sincere heart. I confess my sins. Cleanse my heart with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Empower me to worship You in spirit and in truth.”