Cain and Abel are the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain is the eldest and Abel is the youngest. Cain is described as the tiller of the ground whereas Abel is the keeper of sheep. Both men know that God requires an offering, but the offering of Cain is quite different from that of Abel. Abel fears God, and because of this he offers the best of his flock to the Lord. He kills the animal and makes a sacrifice of blood. Abel understands that the shedding of innocent blood for the forgiveness of sin is acceptable. He also knows that this action of his is representative of surrendering his heart to God. By contrast, Cain brings what he has grown and gathered from the earth. In a way, a foolish man would think that any effort of his own could satisfy and infinitely holy God, and this is what Cain thinks. The offering of Cain signifies the work of his own hands, but Abel's offering signifies the finished work of Christ.God accepts Abel's offering and rejects Cain's. Abel is hated by his brother and since Cain's offer is rejected, he is detested even more. Perhaps Cain's only sin at this point is that he is trying desperately to win God's acceptance instead of being faithful and humble. Abel offers a sacrifice and trusts in God to make him acceptable. Cain offers a sacrifice trusting only in his own abilities to make him acceptable. Cain feels unacceptable and reacts with anger and resentment when God has no regard for his offer. God comes to Cain and reminds him that his job is to do his best and trust in God. He also tells Cain that he is responsible for his actions no matter what the nature of sin is or what feelings he may be experiencing.Cain plots to get rid of his brother thinking that the problem will then be resolved. Cain lures his brother out into the field and rises up and kills him. God comes to Cain to confront him with the responsibility and Cain denies him. God comes not to find the truth, but to allow Ca...
