Two lessons from the life of Cain

Genesis 4 narrates the sad story of Cain and Abel. The Bible tells us that in the course of time, likely many years after their birth, when they were grown, Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to God. However, while Abel and his sacrifice were accepted, Cain and his sacrifice were not (Genesis 4:4-5). A deeper reflection on the narrative teaches us many lessons, and I want to share with you two of such lessons in this write up.

First of all, verses 4-5 show us that God is not only interested in the worship or sacrifices we bring to Him, but He is equally concerned with who we are. God accepted Abel and his sacrifice because Abel offered in faith (Hebrews 11:4). This means Abel responded to God’s revealed will in faith, having heard instruction from God (Romans 10:17), and obeyed it, making him righteous (Romans 1:16-17). But God did not accept Cain or his sacrifice because Cain’s deeds were evil (1 John 3:12), and he did not offer the sacrifice in faith. This teaches us an important truth: sometimes, as Christians, we focus on what we do for God. It may be song leading, preaching, teaching, evangelism, benevolence, or even cleaning, and we are always eager to serve and help the church grow. However, we may still be struggling with hidden sins that we remain unrepentant of. The truth is, God will not accept our service if we are not right with Him.

Proverbs 15:8 declares that “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” (NKJV). Therefore, it is important that we continually pursue righteousness so that our sacrifices, like Abel’s, will be pleasing to God.

The second lesson is seen in Cain’s response after God rejected his offering. The Bible says his countenance fell. God then said to him in Genesis 4:6-7, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (NKJV).

God graciously gave Cain an opportunity to go back, correct his ways, and offer what was right according to His word. But sadly, Cain did not take that opportunity. Instead, he allowed anger to master him, and he murdered his brother (Genesis 4:8). As I reflect on this, I am reminded of how often God gives us opportunities to turn from our evil ways; however, we persist in sin. It is tragic that Cain did not repent, and as a result, he was separated from the presence of the LORD (Genesis 4:16). This separation had ripple effects on his descendants, whose story, as told in Genesis 4:17-24, portrays a line moving further away from God’s presence.

My dear brothers and sisters, Cain’s life teaches great lessons about following God’s instructions and the consequences we face for refusing them. It also warns us about the danger of uncontrolled anger and the need to not give the devil an opportunity in our lives (Ephesians 4:26-27). Finally, it reminds us that the decisions we make today can impact the lives of our children tomorrow. Let’s be reminded that God cares about the worshiper as much as the worship. He offers warnings and opportunities for us to repent. If we do not rule over sin, it will definitely rule over us.

Stay blessed,

Frank Obeng Addae