Favor or Fatality in the Next Generation?
Genesis 4:1-12, 16
Eve loved her boy Cain. In spite of the labor and pain, a man-child was born to her! Now, maybe she could put behind her the losses incurred in the Garden. She “got herself” a new baby boy! He represented a new generation! Things began to look promising!
But had she really learned the seriousness of her fatal choice back in the Garden? That encounter with the seductive serpent drawing her away from surrender to God’s best had awakened a self-awareness that distanced her and her husband from pure God-consciousness?
And, once again, where was Adam, the missing man, at this celebratory occasion when Cain was born to the first couple? Not just their first child, but the beginning of all childbirths to follow! The generational precedent was set in motion!
Though an absentee husband and father, we know Adam came in from the fields long enough to impregnate his wife a second time with little Abel. Historical data prove that fatherlessness is THE major contributor to criminal activity including mass murder and serial killings, not to mention poverty, behavioral problems, and social deficiencies. Adam, where are you?
Hardworking Cain labored in the soil to produce results, while his younger brother Abel meandered with flocks of animals.
Then came the day to honor God with gifts. Cain brought “an offering” and Abel gave to the Lord “the firstborn” of his flock, fattened up to make it the choice gift.
What happened next seems almost “unfair” from our present human perspective. God chose to favor the blood sacrifice of Abel, but decisively “did not” respect Cain’s offering. Why?
Of course, the blood sacrifice spoke to the coming sacrificial Lamb of God thousands of years in advance. Another thought may relate to personal works, striving to win acceptance and approval. And, by extension, the expectation, “You ‘owe me’ a blessing after all my hard work!” This ill-fated expectation, if not manipulation, was destined to fail.
Abel, on the other hand, demonstrated a carefree confidence (faith) in God that giving back to the Lord what He gave to begin with was more pleasing than the former. God Himself testified to this truth that continues to live on with us today!
Read Hebrews 11:4. In verses 6&7, the Lord offers Cain some honest Fatherly counseling. He asked, “what is the source of your anger and why do you look so depressed?” He probed deeper to motivational levels encouraging Cain to stop comparing himself with Abel and his blessing and to stop the jealousy that crouched at the door of his heart ready to pounce on him when the opportunity presented itself. Then, the Father said, “you can conquer this!” (Living Bible)
At this pivotal moment Cain could have “come clean” with God and himself, but he rejected the counsel.
When Cain and Abel were alone, he killed his brother over jealousy about God’s blessing. The best antidote to the poison of jealousy is to rejoice when others succeed. We are encouraged in the Proverbs to never be jealous, even when evil men succeed.
Another passage that speaks to comparing ourselves with others is 2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
The Father’s counsel is to be all we can be with what measure we have. This finds the acceptance and approval we hunger for. Would that Cain and all of us could learn this lesson!
But even after the dastardly deed, when God questioned Cain about where his brother was, he refused to be honest and confess his sin. He even smarted off to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God asked, “What have you done?” Cain really had an unresolved issue with God that resulted in the death of his brother.
Earlier repentance could have prevented this first fatality. Now, after the fact, he was required to confess the truth. Earlier, he could have rejoiced in the favor shown to his brother Abel. Now, he would face the consequences.
While sin separates us and our posterity from the presence of God; while it has consequences and leaves scars, we have a choice to opt for favor. Abel is a type of Christ. When we embrace Jesus Christ, we enjoy and participate in His favor, we avoid anger, jealousy and death and the Next Generation benefits. May God give us the foresight to see it and the wisdom to opt for favor.