Genesis 4

What I believe God shared about Genesis 4:
What I want to point out in this passage is not the normal preaching of the day but something much more subtle. Different translations emphasize different things within this passage so let’s look at the New Living Testament and Berean Standard Bible versions because they show a subtlety that some others do not (available at www.BibleHub.com). As you read each of these passages look at the heart posture of Abel and Cain:

• First read Genesis 4:3-5 in the New Living Testament version found here. 
• Second read Genesis 4:3-4 in the Berean Standard Bible Version found here.

Do you see the subtlety? Cain presents “some of his crops” and Abel brings “the best portions of the firstborn”

Many wonder if I did not appreciate that Cain brought fruit of the ground and I preferred Abel’s blood sacrifice. Yes, this is foreshadowing the entire sacrificial system and the eventual death and resurrection of Jesus. However, in this passage, what displeased me was the Cain brought an offering from some of his crops as though it was an imposition or a casual gift whereas Abel worshipped Me and brought me the best of the firstborn of his flock. Do you see what I am truly looking for? It is not animal sacrifice vs grain sacrifice. Both of these were offered to Me in the sacrificial system described later in the bible. It is that Abel’s sacrifice was acceptable to Me because he brought that which was most important to me…his heart devoted to Me. This is what I truly want.

Please, when I point out things in your life that are not fully pleasing to Me, as I did Cain, do not become angry, hard hearted, and turn away from My Presence as Cain did. Instead, turn toward Me and lean into Me further and more completely and learn from Me what I want. What I want for you is what you want for you! Cain wanted to be in My Presence, but when I let him know that his offering was half-hearted he did not take the correction, instead he let anger control him and he was removed from My Presence.

Notice the other part of this chapter that is so essential…

1. Verse 15: I continue to protect Cain even though he has left My Presence, out of My deep love for him.
2. Verse 17: He is the father of Enoch.

Why is the 2nd point so important? The heart posture I desired for Cain was quickly restored in the next generation, for Enoch was so dedicated to Me that he came to Me without having to die. He was faithful and dedicated to Me the way I desired Cain to be. How quickly generational sin can be restored! Please remember this and allow the generational sin to end with you rather than move onto the next generation.

My Presence is available to you. I hope you choose to walk in it with Me daily! This gives me great pleasure and is the greatest gift and sacrifice you can give Me.

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