Throughout the opening chapters of Genesis, we see God’s grace on display towards Adam and Eve in spite of their rejection of His word and their sinful behavior. It was a Holy God that went searching for sinful man when they saw themselves as naked and sinful after their disobedience. But it was God who provided a sacrifice to cover their sin in Gen. 3:21 “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” This sacrifice laid the foundation for their family worship and set the standards for what sacrifices are acceptable and are not acceptable under God. Abel’s blood sacrifice being a picture of Jesus was accepted by God. Cain’s sacrifice from the field being a picture of his righteous works was rejected by God. God warned Cain to not allow his failed expectations and disobedience to lead to a heart of bitterness. Gen. 4:6-7a “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.” The scripture goes on to tell us of how Cain ignored God’s warning and his bitterness led to wrath, murder, and a complete rejection of God throughout his entire lineage.
LESSON - Be careful how you deal with disappointment and failed expectation. Sometimes God will not prosper our way because our desires are sinful or He simply has a better plan. Know that during those times of disappointment, sin also lies at our door as well. We should use these times of failure as an opportunity for self examination, possible repentance, and an opportunity to experience God’s BEST. We cannot fail! Future generations will learn from our experiences, both good and bad.
~Mike
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