" CAIN AND ABEL "

This week we are looking into the original brothers Cain and Abel. Adam and Eve's first two children were these two young men. No longer was everything provided for Adam and Eve as it had been in the Garden Of Eden where their daily tasks were refreshing and delightful. Now they had to struggle against the elements in order to provide food, clothing, and shelter for themselves and their family. Now Cain became a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. In parts of The Middle East today, these ancient occupations are still practiced much as they were in Cain and Abel's time. Have you ever really wondered what happened between God and Cain. Now Cain was the first born to Adam and Eve and I would imagine that he was pampered. I likewise wonder if jealousy creeped into his life when baby brother came on the scene. The Word of God says: " So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord has regard for Abel and for his offering; " The Bible does not say why God rejected Cain's sacrifice. Who knows maybe Cain's attitude was improper, or perhaps his offering was not up to God's standards. Proverbs 21:27 says, " The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent!" God evaluates both our motives and the quality of what we offer him. LAST POINT: OK, it's time to search your heart. Prayerfully you are not the person that you once was, most of us never truly overcome anger. Now, how do you react when someone suggests you have done something wrong? Do you move to correct the mistake or deny that you need to correct it? After Cain's sacrifice was rejected, God gave him the chance to right his wrong and try again. God even encouraged him to do this! But Cain refused, and the rest of his life is a startling example of what happens to those who refuse to admit their mistakes. Now it just may be possible that someone will suggests you are wrong, take an honest look at yourself and choose God's way instead of Cains. Until Next Time... Jim,