Two Offerings and a Warning

The time came to bring offerings to God. Cain brought fruit from the ground he had worked. Abel brought some of the firstborn animals of his flock. The brothers knew what God had taught them about coming near to him.

We can imagine the preparations: gathering what they would bring and arranging the stones of the altar. Yet the most important thing was not making something look beautiful. God knew each brother’s faith and choices.

Abel trusted God. His offering expressed that trust and pointed to the promised Savior. The sacrifice reminded him that sin was serious and that he needed the forgiveness only God could give.

Fruit could also be brought with gratitude. Cain’s problem was not working the soil. He wanted to come his own way, without accepting in faith everything God had instructed. Bringing a basket was not enough.

God looked with favor on Abel and his offering. Fire from heaven consumed his sacrifice as a sign of acceptance. Cain’s offering did not receive that sign. God saw more than what their hands carried.

Cain became very angry, and his face fell. He looked at what had happened with resentment. He could still stop, listen, and change direction. His anger did not have to become a choice that hurt someone.

God spoke to him: “Why are you angry?” He also asked why his face had fallen. The Lord did not remain silent about his anger. He came with a warning and showed Cain that he could still choose what was good.

God explained that if he did what was right, he would be accepted. He also warned him that sin was crouching at the door and that he must rule over it. Cain needed to hear that help before following his feelings.

Feeling angry can tell us that something is difficult for us. We can stop our hands, breathe calmly, and find someone to help. We do not need to hurt others to express our feelings or blame someone else for our choices.

Cain had been given an opportunity. God had called him to listen, recognize his wrong, and trust him. The warning stood before Cain like an open door toward a different decision.