Stephen continued our journey through Genesis yesterday morning, by looking at Genesis 4. Having looked at the perfection of Creation (Genesis 1 & 2) and at what happens when sin enters (Genesis 3), now it was time to see the consequences of sin.
In Genesis 4, the story of Cain and Abel, we see how men are fulfilling the Lord’s commands. Adam and Eve have obeyed the command to go forth and multiply and their children are working the ground and looking after the animals (see Gen 1:28-30). Sin rears its ugly head between the two brothers, however, when both offer sacrifices to God, but only one sacrifice is accepted.
Abel’s sacrifice is accepted; Cain’s is rejected. Abel gave of the firstborn (Gen 4:4), but Cain only gave some of the fruits of the soil. In effect, his sacrifice was second best. God gives him a second chance, showing him the problem that lies with sin crouching at his door, but Cain’s sin grows as he lied to God (Gen 4:9) and became angry with Him (Gen 4:13-14).
God still has compassion on him (the mark of Cain is actually to protect him), but there are consequences to his sin – further alienation and estrangement.
We need to walk the narrow way if we are to avoid Cain’s sin. God wants the best for us, but He also wants the best from us.