MASTER IT!

Genesis 4:1-26 Monday, 21 September 2020

“…sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” -Genesis 4:7

Genesis is the book of beginnings. In today’s reading, we can see the beginning of hatred and bloodshed. Also we can see here the beginning of blood-less sacrifice!! The story of Cain and Abel brings to us many lessons.

The entire history of mankind is marred with numerous instances of bloodsheds – the origin of it- hatred and enmity. God is warning Cain and also the entire mankind that sin is crouching at your door!! The word “crouching” gives the impression of a ferocious animal waiting cunningly for its prey so that it can catch and conquer it. Sin, likewise is at the door step – meaning, very near each of us. Cain was warned, but we can see sin abounding in the world very fast, which resulted in a world-wide flood that wiped out mankind except the family of one righteous man living at that time- Noah!

The people had knowledge of sin – but did not know how to deal with it. God’s purpose for man is that he will master sin/ conquer sin! “Sin is at the door!” – it tells us we mustn’t think that we are far away from sinning! or too righteous to be caught in the web of sin! The Bible says if we say that we have no sin – then we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8)! There is a sin nature in each of us. We need to conquer it!! Jesus was portrayed as the bronze serpent that was lifted up in the wilderness (John 3:14) Bronze – is the symbol of atonement and the serpent symbolizes sin. Jesus Christ became the antidote for the poison of sin induced in the veins of humans by the serpent – satan!

From where did Cain get the sinful nature?-From his father Adam! Parents portray a behavioral pattern for their children. Hardly do we realize that if we do not set the right examples before them they too will soon imbibe our natures! Sin entered Adam and passed down through generations! (Romans 5:12)

Why was God angry? The Bible says God was first angry with Cain and then his act! Similarly God was pleased with Abel and then his act!! First, We are important for God; then only comes our ministry! Surely God would have instructed Adam on the type of worship to offer Him and Adam would have told his sons. Abel heard it and obeyed it. He brought an animal and offered a blood sacrifice – symbolizing the atoning sacrifice that God expects! Cain also knew about it and had the freedom to take a sheep from his brother and offer it. His attitude towards God was one of disrespect! God saw his heart’s condition and rejected him and his sacrifice!!

Many times we know what is pleasing to God, what is acceptable to Him, but do not do that. 1John 5:3 says we express our love to God by obeying His commandments. Even today we see people reject what God says, yet they want God to accept them!

The blood–less sacrifice of Cain denotes Christ-less life of people. They want to do everything in the name of God, but without Christ!! 2 John 9 says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”

How do we conquer sin? Christ is the answer! Submit to Him and resist the devil (James 4:7). Cleave to Him and leave the lustful desires. Those who are joined with Him are one spirit with Him! (1Cor.6:17)

Thought for the Day: God is not against us because of our sin. He is with us against our sin. ~ Unknown