Mad

Have you ever been mad or upset with anyone? I am sure we can all say yes to that question. What was the real reason we were mad? In Genesis chapter four we are introduced to two young men Abel and Cain and in just a few verses we see that Cain is mad; why?

Genesis 4:3  And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Genesis 4:4  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

Genesis 4:5  But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. We see Cain brings an offering unto the Lord; fruit from the ground. I would say it was the best of the best and he brings it to the Lord as an offering. Now Abel we are told brings an offering also but his offering is from his flock. The Bible tells us that the Lord had no respect for Cain’s offering but had respect unto Abel’s offering and because the Lord didn’t have respect for Cain’s offering Cain get very wroth (very angry; much exasperated). Why did Cain get so upset? The same reason you and I get upset. Let’s think for a moment about what Cain may have been thinking; as Cain goes and begins to gather the fruit for his offering I am sure he picked the best of the best. I’m sure he was thinking that this offering is for the Lord and I want the very best for Him. Now when the Lord wasn’t pleased the Bible tells us that he got angry. The reason he was angry is because things didn’t go the way Cain though they should; or in other words things didn’t go his way.  Now the Lord asked Cain a question.

Genesis 4:6  And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Why are you so upset Cain’ and why is your countenance fallen? Then the Lord tells Cain:

Genesis 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. Cain, if you do well, you’ll be accepted also but if you decide not to then sin is waiting for you right outside your door. Cain has an opportunity to change his offering and have the Lord accept it also. It’s your choice Cain you can do right or you can let your anger get the best of you.

Genesis 4:8  And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. We are told that Cain talked with his brother and then in the field Cain kills his brother Abel. What I want you to see is that Cain let his anger control him even to the point of killing his brother and it was all because he didn’t get his way. Now you and I hopefully wouldn’t kill anyone if things didn’t go our way; or would we?

 Matthew 5:21  Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

Matthew 5:22  But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment …. I get angry with someone because things don’t go my way and because of that I never have anything to do with that person again then I have just given foothold to the devil

Ephesians 4:26  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:27  Neither give place to the devil. When I get angry and I don’t forgive then I am giving the devil a place in my life. There will be a lot of things that don’t go our way. Let’s don’t be a Cain for if we do then we are giving the enemy place in our lives. Have a great week and watch out for selfishness. May the Lord richly bless you is my prayer.