Bible Talks: Cain & Abel (Continued)

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 3min
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• BibleTruthPublishers.com
WHEN Eve looked on her firstborn son she said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” v. 1. Cain means “Possession” and possibly she felt that if she and Adam had lost paradise, now at least they had a possession in whom they could be proud and who would identify them with their new surroundings. Alas, how many mothers since then have made the same mistake—looking on a newborn son or daughter and wishing them a place in the world—a great name, or some acclaim that will bring pride to the whole family. How happy it would be if more parents thought of the world to come when seeking to establish a path for their children. The words from the very lips of our Saviour were: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19, 2019Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (Matthew 6:19‑20).
Cain was one who sought to establish himself in this world and it is evident that this was where his heart became attached, right from the binning. It was with the earth that he became associated and in that association thought to present to God his own good works as well. But God wants neither the things of this world nor the vain efforts of our natural selves, and, as we have noticed earlier, when Cain came with his sacrifice on this basis, it was rejected. Then his true character revealed itself and in hateful jealousy he—the firstborn into this world—became its first murderer as well. What sad consequences came from his love of the world! And what care every reader needs, lest he fall into worldly attractions. The warning is given very plainly in 1 John 2:1515Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15): “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him! “And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? And He said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground.” vv. 9, 10. God could not ignore this terrible deed and Cain’s false protest of innocence did not spare him from God’s judgment. Already subject to death, he now became subject to judgment as well, as is true of all mankind. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27).
Cain’s evil heart and deed were manifest before God and yet, confronted with the unveiling of what he had done, he tried first to conceal it through a lie. But, “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do,” and the immediate result of his wickedness is solemnly told him: “Now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.” vv. 11, 12. The Lord had told him of the sin-offering which would have been acceptable for his sins, but Cain would not bow to confession of his guilt. Instead he pleads that he might be protected from those who would seek vengeance for his brother. God mercifully makes such provision for him, just as He yet holds the door of mercy open to any who will accept His way of salvation.
ML-08/16/1964