Sept. 9-13 - Oh Cain, why you gotta be like that?

Cain and Abel, it’s one of the most famous parts of the Bible. I’ve always just thought of it as being the story of the first murder, but reading through it this time, keeping in mind the life of Jesus, it has some striking similarities.

In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it." Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Genesis 4:3-8

So first, a quick note on which sacrifice God had regard for. Abel’s sacrifice of the firstborn was what pleased the Lord. In the same way, Jesus, God’s only son, was the only acceptable sacrifice for our salvation.

Next! God was pleased with Abel, and Cain’s response to this was anger and jealousy. Cain knew what was right, how he should respond. God spoke directly to him, and yet Cain still went and killed his brother.

Sounds like the life of Jesus to you? It does to me.

How much more was God pleased with the life that Jesus led? The leaders of the Jewish people were angry with His wisdom, they were jealous of His power and how the people followed Him. They had God’s word, they knew what it had to say about the coming Messiah, and yet still they had Him crucified. Let’s not forget either how God shows mercy to Cain afterward and Jesus in the same way prayed for those who were crucifying him.

Christians, this is so amazing, here’s God’s word from the very beginning of time, hinting at and pointing toward what Jesus would do for us thousands of years after it was written down. God’s hand was in it all.

I hope you all have been encouraged by this past weeks reading. I am looking forward to hearing about what you all are seeing and learning as we continue to read through Genesis together next week.

Have a blessed week!