The Sacrifice of Cain
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But He loves him who follows righteousness. (Proverbs 15:8,9)
Probably the only reason I make connections with Scriptures and when I find the true meaning in them is when the Spirit leads me to it in reading. It just so happens that I'm reading Old and New Testaments, and reading Proverbs also.
The Proverb took me back to the offerings of Cain and Abel. I'd been confused as to what was so wrong with Cain's offering; Genesis 4:5 doesn't specify why GOD did not "respect the offering of Cain."
Of course GOD knows our hearts, and that they are desperately wicked; and I've heard it said that Abel offered a more pleasing sacrifice, in that it was the first fruits and best, unblemished of his flock (note the reference to JESUS in that.)
The Proverb tells me why Cain's offering was not respected, because "the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD." We find out a few verses later how wicked Cain is when he allows anger to take control of his heart, he sins, and kills his brother.
This makes me think that I should obey GOD'S warning to Cain and not let sin crouch at my door, and have it's way in me. JESUS equated anger with murder. Matthew (5:21-24)
That means when I've just been cut off by someone in traffic, gotten P-Oed with someone for something, "without a cause," forgetting that I'm just as fallen as the the person who's doing me wrong.
LORD judge my heart, HOLY SPIRIT convict me of righteousness, or sin, I repent of my sin, my anger, please FATHER, GOD, help the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in YOUR sight, oh LORD my strength, and my Redeemer. (Ps 19:14)
Created almost 2 years ago
