Cain and Abel

Dear young friends,

The first son of Adam and Eve was Cain. At the time of his birth his parents were happy and thankful. Eve said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” The name Cain signifies gain or possession. Their second son was Abel, whose name signifies vapor or vanity. If we look at their names, we would have more expectation of Cain than of Abel. Thus it is oftentimes in this world — those who have a nice name are of no account before Cod, and those whereof the world does not expect much have a name in heaven. This was also true of the rich man and poor Lazarus.

When the children of Adam and Eve had grown up, Cain became a farmer and Abel a shepherd. These were two honest occupations. The two boys had many things in common. They had the same parents, the same upbringing, the same privileges, and they lived in the same vicinity. They also were instructed in the same religion. Although the boys had so much in common, there nevertheless was a great difference between them.

Cain and Abel were both religious. We would say today that they both went to church and fulfilled their Christian duties. We read in Genesis 4, “Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord, and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.” An offering is a token of thankfulness for the blessings the Lord has given.

Young friends, looking at the offerings of Cain and Abel on the surface, we have the inclination to say, “What is the difference?” The difference, my friends, was more inward than outward. Cain was a careless person, not caring too much about it. He was a self-righteous person. Such persons think mostly of themselves, always see fault in others, and are blind for their own shortcomings. Cain was also a very selfish person. This was also a stumblingblock to his offering. His offering to the Lord was probably more a “must” than a privilege. A selfish person likes to receive the most and give the least. The religion of Cain was only form without faith. We can never please the Lord if we do not believe that Cod is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Cain was a self-righteous person. Such persons think mostly of themselves, always see fault in others, and are blind for their own shortcomings.

“And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” This means respect to the person who offered. The reason? We read the answer in Hebrews 11. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Then we read, “and to his offering.” Abel was serious, humble, “and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1). Abel offered the best, “and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.” It was a token of grace given to him by the Lord. It was an enjoyable privilege for him to be permitted to do so. It was an expression of love which was wrought in his heart. A sacrifice kindled in the heart by the Lord shall at all times return to the Lord in heaven and be accepted.

When Cain observed that his offering was rejected and the offering of Abel accepted, he was very wroth. Cain had enough reason to be displeased with himself, but he could not see that he was wrong at all. On the contrary, he was very displeased with his brother Abel. His pride was hurt when he observed that the offering of Abel was accepted. He became very jealous of Abel. Solomon said, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” The Lord had warned Cain (verse 7), but he could not humble himself before the Lord. He was not sorry about his offering without love, and he went on to bitterness.

We read that Cain talked with his brother when they were in the field together. We do not read about the conversation. Did Cain say, “You are too serious; you make too much work of your religion; you want to be better than I am”? Today some would say, “I do not want to be narrowminded. I want to do as the majority does.” Dear friends, the nature of Cain goes from bad to worse until there is no stopping him. It says, “and slew him.” Very sad, isn’t it? Cain is an example of the careless world; Abel is an example of the church of Christ.

Young friends, by nature we have the nature of Cain. May the Lord bless us with obedience and with a desire to seek the Lord. Pray that the Lord be pleased to kindle an offering in our hearts which is acceptable to Him. “My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways”

(Proverbs 23:26). ?

The late Rev. M. Romeyn (1913-1971) served as pastor of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation at Chilliwack, B.C. (1957-1971).

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