At harvest time, Cain brought a gift to the Lord. He brought some of the food that he grew from the ground, but Abel brought some animals from his flock. He chose some of his best sheep and brought the best parts from them.
The Lord accepted Abel and his gift. But he did not accept Cain and his offering. Cain was sad because of this, and he became very angry. The Lord asked Cain, “Why are you angry? Why does your face look sad? You know that if you do what is right, I will accept you. But if you don’t, sin is ready to attack you. That sin will want to control you, but you must control it.” Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” So they went to the field. Then Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Genesis 4:3-8 Genesis is a book of firsts or beginnings, it tells us of various origins from their beginning. That is actually what the word genesis means- beginnings. In it we have the first day, first people, first sin, and today we read of the first murder. This murder was not between strangers, they were brothers. Notice this murder was not an act of passion but it bubbled up from being sad to very angry and then resulted in murder. This murder was also premeditated (thought out before hand or planned). Cain told his brother, "Let's go out to the field." He had time to think and plan what he would do. James the half-brother of Jesus writes about this sin pattern and it's end result in the letter bearing his name. Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you.Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death. James 1:12-15 It also came despite a warning and remedy. God actually spoke to Cain and told him how to make his offering right but all Cain can focus on was his brother. To think that this first murder all started with their offerings. There's a lot to be said about their offerings but let's rather consider what we focus on when we feel sad. We need to master our feelings not be carried away by them. Be careful it doesn't lead to anger and eventually death. It may not be murder like Cain but it could end in expulsion from school or one day cost us a job. It could also bring the death of a relationship. A relationship that could have continued if we listen to God's voice instead of focusing on what we don't have and what others do have. God wants what is best for all people especially His children. Will you listen to your feelings or His voice today. Have a great day Loved Ones and God bless you real good!
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