Cain watched his father’s retreating figure. Adam had just announced that the annual
offering commanded of God would be tomorrow. He did not say anything about my
argument with mother yesterday. But he sure made it plain that he expects me to get a lamb
from Abel for the offering. Well, I worked just as hard, probably harder, than Abel worked.
Father always says God wants our best. Well, that is exactly what He will get.
He turned back towards his fields smiling broadly. Yes, God shall get my very best!
&&&
The next day, Cain loaded seven baskets filled with the very best fruits and vegetables.
“Narah,” he called.
She came running.
“What is it, my lord?”
“I need your help. I have selected the seven best baskets that I will offer unto God. It is
time to take them to the altar.”
“We are offering these? But I thought …”
“Thought what? That again I would bow to father’s wishes and get a lamb from Abel.
No! Is Abel’s lamb better than my fruit? No! Or perhaps it is better than my vegetables.
No, I tell you. No more! Today, I offer God my very best crops. We shall see what God
thinks about the matter.”
Frightened by Cain’s outburst, she quietly helped him carry the baskets to their altar.
After two trips, he stopped to prepare the altar, while she returned for the last basket.
“What is the meaning of this?” bellowed Adam arriving with Eve, Abia and Abel.
“It is my offering.”
“I forbid it. God will not accept it.”
“Father, I am a grown man. And, as you yourself have said, the offering is between God
and me. This is my decision, not yours.”
“Son, it is God’s decision. He has commanded us to offer an unblemished lamb.”
“God has not spoken to me about it and He kicked you out of the Garden!”
Adam’s face paled. For a moment, he glared at Cain, then spun on his heals and went to
the family altar.
Serving as family elder, Adam placed his lamb upon the altar before anyone else. He slit
the throat of the lamb, collected the blood, and poured the blood upon the altar. He and
Eve knelt before it. Fire of the LORD fell upon and consumed the offering showing He had
respect unto them and their offering.
As soon as his parents offering was accepted, Abel prepared the altar for his own
offering to the Lord. Once it was properly prepared, he knelt before God. Meanwhile,
Cain and Narah were kneeling before their altar waiting for God’s consuming fire.
And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his
offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Seething with anger, Cain stood and strode towards his tent, Narah following close
behind. Adam watched them with sadness. He started to follow.
“No.”
Adam stopped in his tracks; it was the unmistakable voice of God.
In his tent, Cain sent Narah out. His whole frame shook with anger. Suddenly he was
aware of another Presence, but his anger would not let him kneel before Him. And the
Lord said unto Cain, “Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen?
“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at
the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”
Just as quickly as God appeared, He was gone. Seeing a lamb lying in the doorway,
Cain assumed it belonged to Abel. So now my brother mocks me! God wants a blood
sacrifice, then He will get one.
He walked over and picked up the lamb.
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