21/07/2017 - THE MARK OF CAIN

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And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him. Genesis 4:15

How sadness must have overtaken Adam’s and Eve’s hearts when they saw their second son dead.  They were overjoyed with Cain’s birth and Adam praised God for it being a male.  Then Abel was born and the joy only multiplied. This was the start of a family that had as its mission to cover the Earth, but Abel’s branch was cut off with no descendants.  Cain on the other hand, seeing what had been done, knew that the Savior would not be descendant from him.

Now there were four people on Earth and so was the beginning of the human race.  Cain was a farmer and Abel a shepherd. However, the first born earned the title of first assassin when he could have gained by giving the best offering or at least tied with his brother in expressing his love for the Lord.  But Cain knew not how to hear and for this reason his offering was not accepted.  This happens to those who disobey God.

Cain was unsuccessful when he prepared his offering revealing what he had in his heart.  Many people have acted or behaved in this same way.  They find it hard to give a larger sum and instead of asking for help from Heaven, they retreat in sadness and give any quantity to the Lord. Now, we are talking about the privilege of cooperating and contributing to God’s work.

Everything you do to or for the Most High must be done with His help for God does not accept testimony or glory that comes from man.  The Most High is always pleased with those who achieve His purpose, but if the heart of the one who is offering is full of hate or motivated by selfish promotion, this will displease Him.  Never allow yourself to be drawn to the enemy, mainly when serving the Lord.

When he saw that God did not accept his offering, Cain showed that the devils of hatred and rage lived in his heart. So, his countenance fell (Genesis 4:5) The Most High tried to lead him away from Satan’s oppression, but Abel’s brother would not listen, so he was used by Satan to commit homicide. Some people that are enraged commit adultery or another sin; others plot to kill their spouse.  

God rebuked Cain, because he picked any harmful bush and threw it as offering to the Lord.  For this reason or for his own good, the Lord did not accept what He had received. If he had even considered the offering Cain would have been struck dead on site, immediately!  Never offend the Heavenly Father or be mad at someone because even when you are in a tight situation, you must never let Satan into your heart.

Sad picture: Cain slaying his brother Abel who was righteous and his blood speaks to this very day. Cain repented and cried out to God who promised to put a mark on him so he would not be wounded or killed by those who found him. The Savior could have descended from the first born.

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares