Does this happen in Genesis 4:3. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour.
2007-01-10 08:19:39 · 30 answers · asked by Gezza D 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Your question reminds me of the story of the little drummer boy. Rich Kings brought baby Jesus expensive gifts of frankincense and myrhh but the baby Jesus did not smile when he was given them. The poor little drummer boy couldn't even afford to bring a gift so he played on his drum with all his heart and the baby Jesus smiled. A gift from the poor boy's heart meant more to the baby Jesus than an expensive gift from the rich Kings which they could easily afford.
Your question also reminds me of a story I heard in church. God told the angels to prepare a huge feast for a rich and powerful businessman who died and was coming to heaven. One of the angels said that's not fair God didn't prepare a huge feast for me when I died and came to heaven. God told the angel that's because we hardly get his kind up here!
I believe in the biblical story you are referring to the reason God looked upon Abel's gift of the firstborn on his flock with favor, and did not look upon Cain's gift of some of the fruits of the soil with favor, was because Abel's gift of the "firstborn" of the flock was more of a sacrifice than just "some" of the fruits of the soil that Cain offered. I believe the story wasn't meant to be an example of how much God loves us, but of how much we love God.
2007-01-10 08:51:14 · answer #1 · answered by Venus 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cain did not give of the first fruits - the best - therefore his heart was not right before the Lord. Since sin was already in the picture, and Cain saw that Abel was favoured over him, he decided in his heart to take revenge and kill his brother Abel.
2007-01-10 16:24:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ok, It has to do with understand Who God is. If you read it carefully. Cain brought of the fruit of the ground. (this could be any of the fruit that had grown) Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock, which means that the very first portion of his prosperity went back to God, out of grattitude.
It simply means that both mean thought of God, but Abel placed God first in his life.
You have to be fairly deep in the word to really grasp the contrast.
Have an awesome day,
mike
2007-01-10 16:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by mikerow992003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I take it that you mean " in the eyes of GOD".
Yes, we are equal. It's our choices between satisfying ourselves FIRST or seeking to put God first that makes the difference.
If you choose to please God, you have His favor and blessings.
If you choose to put yourself above God, you do not have His favor and blessings.
Heb 11:4
4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.
(from New International Version)
Deut 30:19-20
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.
(from New International Version)
SO, THIS DAY AND EVERY DAY, YOU GET TO CHOOSE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
2007-01-10 17:19:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it was because Cain's heart was not set on pleasing God...Abel's was. Cain had selfish motives and Abel only wanted to serve the Lord.
2007-01-10 16:22:35 · answer #5 · answered by 4 Shades of Blue 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Your answer is just a few verses away at Genesis 4:6, Then the
Lord said to Cain, "Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.
2007-01-10 16:29:30 · answer #6 · answered by brandy_a 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand, Abel's offering was out of love and respect. Cain's offering was only because he had to and didn't care one way or the other.
2007-01-10 16:22:47 · answer #7 · answered by ldnester 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well the Bible is not clear on why Cain's offering was not "acceptable." Perhaps this is based on instructions that were given to Cain and Able that we are not told about in the text but when Genesis was written it was common knowledge. Or perhaps this is simply a reflection on the heart of Cain. I mean obviously his heart was callous enough to let anger lead him to murder.
And when you ask a question...uhh yeah...can you try spell check. Thanks. And get that TPS report with a cover sheet on my desk immediately.
2007-01-10 16:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because we all have free will and God saw what was in Cain's heart. He knew Cain was not giving his best to God, as God had given him at birth. He goes on to kill his brother. Read the rest of the story and it's clear.
2007-01-10 16:23:32 · answer #9 · answered by Melli 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believing we are all equal in the eyes of God is a very popular deception. He created us as individuals with unique purposes. Without a personal relationship with Him, we can not achieve our potential.
2007-01-10 16:28:05 · answer #10 · answered by rezany 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋