The Bible is a bit confusing. You may get the idea that Cain offered up the wrong gift to God, fruits from his field instead of an animal from his flock. It’s vague why God was angry with Cain. Abel tended flocks and Cain tilled the ground. On reading it in the Bible it seems perfectly fine to offer whatever you produce.

Yet, I know there must be more to this story.

Here’s one: Satan told Cain to offer up the fruits of his field, therefore he was following Satan rather than God — wrong master, so-to-speak.

And Cain loved Satan more than God. And Satan commanded him saying, Make an offering unto the Lord. Moses 5:18

Here’s another take: It seems that the intent of Abel’s heart was good, and that set him apart from his brother Cain, whose heart was set on greed and murder to get gain. It wasn’t the type of offering — fruit or animal — it was the intent of his heart.

“God was more pleased with Abel than with his offering, because of his good heart and pure body. There was no trace of guile in him…

But as to Cain, he took no pleasure in offering…his eye was on the offering he made, and he took the smallest of his sheep for an offering, and his eye was again on it. Therefore God did not accept his offering, because his heart was full of murderous thoughts.” Adam and Eve, CH LXXVII

That makes sense. God knows the intent of our heart.

We know the intent of our heart.

Service is best done with kindness, and willingness unfeigned. You know that saying–don’t give a gift begrudgingly. So true. Everyday I have opportunities to do my work with a heart of gladness —  Sometimes I have grumbled.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

 

Cain and Abel offering

Abel and Cain offer their sacrifice to God. Byzantine mosaic in the Cathedral of Monreale.

 

 

Cain and Able offering

László Hegedűs (1870–1911)

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