Actions Speak Louder than Words

"In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground" (Gen. 4:3, ESV).

Genesis 4:1-7 contrasts the two of the sons of Adam, Cain and Abel. We are told that Cain worked the land and Abel was a shepherd. However, the real contrast comes in reference to their worship. The descriptions of their offerings are telling, Cain brought "an offering of the fruit of the ground," while Abel brought "of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions" (see Gen. 4:3-4). Moses records that the Lord regarded Abel's offering, but not Cain's. When Cain becomes angry the Lord questions, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it" (Gen. 4:6-7, ESV).

Many ask the question, "Why did the Lord accept Abel's offering and not Cain's?". Let's look at couple of things before we answer that question. First, although the Law was not in place during the time of Cain and Abel it can still inform us as to what would be an acceptable offering. The Law permits the offering of grain and other fruits of the ground (see Lev. 2:1-16; 5:11-13). Israel was to celebrate the Feast of Firstfruits where they were to "bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of" their harvest (see Lev. 23:9-14). So we can conclude that the the Lord was not opposed to an offering of "the fruit of the ground." Second, the mention of Abel bringing "the firstborn" and "fat portions" seems to place the stress on the quality of Abel's offering over Cain's. Cain brought something, Abel brought his first and best. As to why the Lord regarded Abel's offering, the author of Hebrews says it best, "By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commended him by accepting his gifts . . ." (Heb. 11:4, ESV).

Because Abel trusted the Lord, he gave his first and his best. Cain did not truly trust the Lord, and his offering (and attitude) showed it. He, most likely, failed to do well because he did not bring the first and best of his crops. He held out, possibly because he felt he couldn't do without them. He may have reasoned that since it was going to be burnt up, that it wouldn't matter that less desirable crops were offered. Whatever the reasoning, it was a sinful unbelieving heart that made him and his offering unacceptable to the Lord. How do I know? It is the clear teaching of the Scripture (see Heb. 11:4).

The story of Cain and Abel isn't about the nature of the offering, grain or animal, but about the heart offering the sacrifice. The Lord extended both a warning and an opportunity to Cain, in order that he make things right. Cain rejected his warning and spurned the opportunity. If what he offered wasn't good enough for God, he would strike down the opposition. He didn't understand that sin was his real opponent, that it was crouching like an animal ready to pounce and devour him, or that when he yielded to its suggestions he was selling himself over to its mastery. God's words should have driven him to repentance, but he would not heed them. He should have turned from his disbelief, but he would not. And Abel paid the price. As Proverbs 13:19 states, "A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools" (ESV). Cain proved himself a fool.

From this story we can draw an important implication: the nature of our service (offering) expresses the true shape of our heart. Stated more bluntly: actions speak louder than words. Abel demonstrates his trust through obedience. It is difficult to say with any certainty whether Adam and his pre-Covenant decedents were given a moral code, by the Lord, by which they must live, or if they had to figure it out on their own. Although, the narrative seems to suggest that they knew the correct course of action. Either way, Cain was held responsible for both his unrighteous offering, and his brother's murder, even though he had limited revelation from God. The revelation he had was sufficient for him to make the right choice, he rejected it.

We have much more revelation. God has not only revealed himself to us as Creator, but as Covenant-cutter (with both the Old and New Covenants), as Redeemer (through the Son's death and resurrection), and as Sanctifier (through the indwelling of he Spirit). Thus, to whom much is given, much is required. The nature of our offerings (praise, service, our bodies, etc.) still reflect the true shape of our hearts. Are we bringing our first and best to the Lord of glory, our majestic King, the gracious Redeemer or are we giving him what's left over? Are we crying out, from grateful hearts, "Here I am, O God, to do your will!" or are we cry out, from graceless hearts, "O come on, God, what more can you want"?

When we look at the story of Cain and Abel, we are looking at a portrait of all human worship. Human worship either comes, by faith, to God on his terms, or it is unacceptable to him. And if that makes you angry, which brother does that sound like? Even when confronted by God about his sinful anger, Cain never saw himself as the problem. He never saw his lack of faith or obedience. He never saw his innate distrust of God. He never realized that his offering reflected hatred towards God because it failed to acknowledge God's sovereign grace and holiness. He was offended by the demands of God, because he did not deem God worthy of such honor and glory. What are your actions saying about what you truly believe about God?