In chapter 3 of genesis, after the fall, God cursed the soil, so that man will only eat through his own toil. And then in early chapter 4, we read the Abel kept flocks but Cain worked the soil. And in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the SOIL as an offering to the Lord. We learn that God was not impressed at all by Cain's offering at this point.
Very likely, based on the context, the one of the reason why God was not happy with the fruits was because it was from the soil he just cursed a chapter ago. On a typology angle, God is also not happy with the TOIL of the soil. Toil (ie amalek), speaks of self-work and has been a constant no-no to God throughout the bible. (see the previous 2 entries).
We learn that because of the offering, God did not look at Cain's offering with favour and his Cain was downcast, sad and angry. There's an interesting point to note here. At this point, thre are no mention about the character of Cain. Was he a good guy? or a bad guy? We only know that because he gave the wrong offering, God did not look at him with favour - is that interesting or what?
So anyway, the story continues that God ask Cain, why are you angry? if you DO what is right, will you not be accepted.... SIN crouches at the door...
This verse seems straight forward except when we look at the word 'DO' here in hebrew, it can also mean offering. The word SIN can also mean sin-offerring.
So it can be read, if you OFFER what is right, will you not be accepted. if you OFFER what is not right, a SIN OFFERING crouches at your door. It desires to have you but you must rule over it.
(See YLT version)
I believe God was not angry with Cain. Rather, it was Cain who was angry with God. And God gave Cain a sin offering which was of the right kind. An offering who desires for Cain but Cain must take it. God was not rebuking Cain but rather trying to reconcile with Cain. He even provided the offering - at the door (ie a metaphor that means near you).
Today, God is still looking at our offering, and not the fruit of our toil. He has also provided a sin offering who is near us. He desires for us but we must take hold of him for He is the perfect lamb of God. His name is Jesus.
How is this story practical? This story is about daily favour from God. In my opinion, a bit of His favour on us is mighty practical in everything we do.
Perhaps you think that this favour is not for you because you have been a bad christian. Think on this - was Abel as good christian? We never know really because he died too quickly for us to find out. The only thing we know about him is his offering. And when you're down, and feeling the darkness closing around you, remember Jesus our perfect offering. Because His favour is our path back to the Father. And God will set our paths straight, once again. and again. and again.
Happy Easter everyone.
