Closer Day By Day

Bible Passage:  Genesis 4

Today, we read of the first murder in the Bible, and the murderer - Cain. The first child born of the first man and woman (Gen 4:1) became a murderer. It was a sad turn of events which happened way too early in the beginning of man, not that we wish for it to happen at all. Barely four chapters into the records of the creation of man, we see Satan rearing his ugly head twice. The first time in Gen 3 as a serpent appealing to Eve’s senses of lusts and pride, and now in Gen 4, not in any form visible to the human eye, in a subtle yet potent manner, working on Cain’s attitude of worship, feelings, temper and sense of pride. It is the unseen - deceitful thoughts and streaks of pride running through our minds and hearts - which can be most worrisome and which can result in terrifying consequences if left unchecked.

Cain killed not for wealth, but in a jealous fit of rage. What was his story behind the series of events that took place on that fateful day?

Let us read Gen 4: 3-15. God was neither partial nor temperamental in His acceptance of Abel’s offering and dislike of Cain’s offering. Heb 11:4 records that God was pleased with Abel’s faith and righteousness, shown by his offering of the best - firstborn of his flock and their fat. Cain offered a token gift of his produce to the Lord but Abel offered the very best.

Also, from 1 Jn 3:11-12,

“For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.”

And Gen 4:7,

“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

Cain did not do well (Gen 4:7) not because he offered up ‘the fruit of the ground’ to the Lord, but because his sacrifice was lacking. His attitude in offering was found wanting (Gen 4:5, 9) and the quality of his offering was lacking (Gen 4:3). These are reflections of his attitude in worshipping and thanksgiving towards his Creator. And God was not pleased. Further, Cain did not humble himself to reflect the reason for God not being pleased with his sacrifice. Instead, he became ‘very angry’ and his face changed (Gen 4:5)! Jealousy began to eat into him, and he allowed sin into the door of his heart, pouncing on him as a lion (1 Pet 5:8, Gen 4:7). Cain coldly and unremorsefully committed the first murder in the history of humankind.

The latter portion of verse 7 mentions that when sin’s desire is for us, we can and should rule over it. The devil is mighty - appearing twice so far, but our Lord Jesus Christ is even mightier! (Rom 5:21, 6:12) Sin may occur anytime, especially in moments when we are weak or not watchful, and it may even have a strong hold on us. But we do not fear it. Our Lord Jesus have cleansed us of sin by His blood, we are sparkling clean. We are in the muddy ground of the world, but not stuck in it.

Let’s pull those heaven-laden feet up and tread on higher ground!