How it started I don’t know. Perhaps in the course of conversation God gave the idea to Adam’s family. Nothing is stated in Genesis 1-3 about God asking anyone to bring Him offerings. Yet, for some reason, Cain brought to the Lord some of the fruits of his land. His brother Able presented fat portions from the firstborn of his flock. “God looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.” (Genesis 4:4b) Cain got angry. His face revealed his poor attitude. God asked him why he was upset and then gave him profound advice.
Meditation
Genesis 4:7—If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
Many Christians wonder why God seems unfavorable towards them. They claim allegiance to Him yet His blessing always seems to fall on someone else. The implication is that He is fickle and resentment starts to simmer. Cain brought God an offering. Hmmm—that seems like a nice thing to do. So, why was God unimpressed? Evidently, something was not right. Perhaps he grabbed fruit (any ol’ fruit) from the trees or plants he tended and plopped them before the Lord—a simple action that took little time or effort. Something about his attitude or action did not please God. In contrast, his brother’s offering required preparation and sacrifice. Able gave the best of what he had.
Is it possible that we do not have God’s favor because we offer Him shoddy gifts? Do we give Him our time or resources only when it is convenient and even then grudgingly? Do we compare ourselves with others and work from a self-centered foundation? Just because we are not sinning does not mean we earn God’s favor. One can live in compliance with the law and not hunger for God. One can be giving and yet possess a hard heart. You see we can be Christians in name but have little heart for Christ. If our motives are wrong is it any surprise that God’s favor is absent! Cain couldn’t find a satisfying relationship with his Father. He let bitterness and a jealous spirit lead to murder and lying. It all started with a substandard offering.
