Devotional Thoughts about Genesis 4:3-16
We often think that if only people wouldn’t aggravate us or push our buttons, we wouldn't have any trouble getting along with them. Living in a world population of four (plus maybe some younger siblings whom the Bible doesn’t mention), Cain surely didn’t have many people disturbing his peace. Yet his nemesis turned out to be his brother, whose crime was bringing a sacrifice that pleased God.
We’re not told what instructions God may have given them for sacrifices, but clearly Abel brought one that pleased God, and Cain did not. Abel leads the parade of faith heroes in Hebrews as probably the first type of Christ in the Bible. His short life leaves a message that keeps on speaking long after his death (Hebrews 11:4), pointing to Christ’s atoning blood, which at that time was yet to come (Hebrews 12:24).
When Cain was upset by the rejection of his sacrifice, God warned him to reconcile with Him, explaining that sin was waiting to catch him. But Cain fell into its clutches, and sin resulted in murder as early as the second human generation. When God pronounced judgment on him, Cain ignored his own responsibility and focused on his plight with a victim mentality.
Read Psalm 2, which describes this fallen world’s aggression toward God. It’s no wonder that world peace is as far away as it’s ever been for today’s heirs of centuries of education, technology and refinement. Enmity with God is at the heart of any conflict. Lord, help me come to You with my struggles, accepting responsibility for my antagonism toward others.
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