Genesis 4

               In the Book of Genesis, we see that there are several sibling rivalries. We have Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, and Joseph and his brothers. Today we are going to be looking at the first sibling rivalry. We will continue our series in Genesis with the fourth chapter in the book. This week, we will look at the account of Cain and Abel. Just like with chapter three, there is a lot of weight in this section. Mostly because of the sin that is displayed. Last week, we saw the first sin that was committed and now, we look at the first murder. As I mentioned last week with chapter three having a lot of weight due to sin entering the world. Chapter 4 also carries a lot of weight.

               Cain worked in the soil (farmer) and Able worked the flocks (shepherd). Now, the work that Cain and Abel are a part of God’s blessing. You see, work itself is not the punishment from God. Before the fall, Adam and Eve still had work to do. It was the thorns and thistles, sweat of his brow and having to work the fields were the punishments. Working itself is not the punishment.

               Now, people see this as the food offering from Cain was not good enough for God. He had to have brough forth a sheep as an offering. And then Cain would not have killed Abel. And all would be okay. However, In Leviticus 2, we see that God does except fruit or grain offerings. So, then what was the issue with this offering? It was not the offering itself but the attitude of Cain. It was the heart of Cain when he presented his offering to God. It was his mindset on giving the offering to God. His heart was not in it. He probably had no true faith in God.

               One of the biggest differences between these two offerings is that the portion that was presented. You see, Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock. Something that would be not only special for a shepherd but also for someone who is giving up the first of his flock. Abe gave to God what he got first.

               After the offerings were rejected and accepted by God, Cain was angry. That anger became more than something an emotion. It spread throughout his body. And Cain wanted to get rid of his brother Abel once and for all. Cain then killed Abel. The anger became something so great that it took over Cain’s body.

               Even though Cain committed the first murder, God showed mercy. There was a punishment issued, but God did not kill Cain. This shows that we have a merciful God. He showed mercy at the beginning and still shows mercy today.