Genesis 4:4-5 And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering:… The offering of Cain was like a beautiful present, but there was no sorrow for sin in it — no asking for pardon — and so God would not receive it. "Mother won't take my book," once sobbed out a little boy — holding in his hand a very beautiful little volume prettily bound, with gilt edges to the leaves. It was a pretty present, purchased with the pocket money which he had been for weeks saving for his mother's birthday; and now she would not have it. But she did take the needle book and purse which her little daughter presented to her. Why did she refuse the beautiful gift of her boy? He had been naughty — selfish, passionate, false — and had not at all repented; and so when he brought his offering, she put it gently on one side, saying, "No, Charlie." He turned away sullenly, muttering that he did not care, and beginning to cherish feelings of a bad kind towards his sister. But after a while he came to himself — stole into the room, flung himself on her shoulder, confessed his fault with tears, and found favour with his mother. By-and-by, she tenderly whispered, "You may bring your present." So God acted with Cain, but he would persist in obduracy of heart. (W. Adamson.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
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