Genesis 4:3-7
Scripture:
3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 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, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 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.”
What Happened:
In this text, Cain and Abel both bring offerings to the Lord, and each brings what they produce. God did not approve of Cain's offering but He did of Abel's. This made Cain angry, and God tells him that sin will be waiting for him if he isn't careful.
What it Means:
When we look at this text, at first glance it isn't apparent why Cain's offering wasn't accepted. Some may say that God only accepts sacrifices if they involve blood, but we can see in Leviticus 2 that this isn't the case. God accepts the Israelites grain offerings.
The problem with Cain's offering, and what made it different wasn't the offering itself but Cain's heart in giving it and what portion he sacrificed to God. In verse 3, it says that Cain simply brought an offering of the fruit of the ground. In verse 4, it says that Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock, and the fat portions thereof. Abel brought the best of his best. He brought the oldest of his flocks fat, which at this time would have been considered the best part. Cain simply brought some of his harvest.
Another point to look at is the text from Proverbs on sacrifices. Proverbs 21:27 says that,
"The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent."
We can see from this text that Cain was not someone who feared God but Abel was.
How We Should Respond:
When we read this scripture about Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, it's easy to focus on how amazing the Creation story is, or how cool it would have been to be in the garden with God, but if we truly start comparing our lives to those in these times, we can see striking similarities.
How often do I bring my offering of willingness to God? Am I doing it with a clear conscience (Acts 24:16)? Have I repented of my sin? Am I bringing of the first fruits of my ability?
These questions can help us to frame the story of Cain's sacrifice in our own life. Cain was of the second generation on earth, and God still expected him to not have a wicked heart, and bring of the best of his harvest. How much more does God expect of His followers in us?
We can respond to this scripture by repenting of sin in our life daily, living in obedience to God's commands for our life, and bringing His kingdom the first of what we have to offer.