(Cain Versus Christ: a stark contrast)
I. Cain Felt the Strain of His Own Pain
Though jealous Cain knew how to sweat, what sort of fruit did he beget?
For, God liked Abel’s offering, but Cain brought fruit that didn’t sing.
The soil in which Cain strived to toil somehow resulted in turmoil.
Alas, to have one’s fruit inspected and then totally rejected
Doesn’t make one feel accepted, but can that be overcome?
Some cave into rage to blot out their own pain, because cutting it off at the root is easier than facing it. But a slice of bad advice will lead to ruin in the end.
In other words, Cain clearly felt the strain of his own pain.
The fruit Cain did beget by his own sweat led to regret.
II. Abel Got it Right, But Not to Cain’s Delight
Because Abel got it right, but not to Cain’s delight.
Cain couldn’t be happy for him, therefore his countenance grew dim.
He coveted his brother’s favor, yet the feast he couldn’t savor
For his injured pride refused in any way to be amused.
In anger this man chose to stew. That’s what comparison will do.
Like worthless riches it will rust and leave you lying in the dust.
Had Cain repented of the sin which he’d allowed to enter in,
God might have sent refreshing rain and a blessing on his grain.
But there can be no true prosperity without heart charity.
Behold God’s message to him: “Do like Abel. Offer up a spotless lamb!”
Oh, if only Cain had believed! If only he had received the gift of grace offered freely from God’s hand! But Cain refused and wallowed in the strain of his own pain. And when he murdered Abel, the first prophet to be martyred, the very ground turned against him. He became a restless wanderer, having squandered the marvelous riches of God’s mercy toward him.
The fruit Cain did beget by his own sweat caused him to fret.
III. Jesus Came to Bless, Not Stress, Those Under Duress
After all, you can’t be blessed when you feel the stress that comes from being pressed beneath your father’s curse. A ground yielding thorns and thistles was Adam’s punishment for eating from the forbidden tree. The knowledge of good and evil, in effect, killed his joy for growing food. (see Genesis 3:17).
Cain knew evil and it really killed him. He felt the post-traumatic stress caused by his own duress. But God still chose to bless, even though Cain refused it.
“My punishment is more than I can bear,” Cain told the Lord (Genesis 4:13).
Fast forward many years later when Jesus the “second Adam” would take upon Himself the punishment no man can bear. He laid down his life as a completely pleasing offering to God. By the sweat of His own brow He redeemed us from Adam’s curse.
Much good fruit did He beget from His own sweat.
Jesus’ blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). Let’s not waste the grace He has for us.
Signs, Wonders, Miracles 