Legacy Lessons W/Vance K. Jacksonნიმუში

Cain worshipped his work more than he honored God. When Cain submitted his offering, God declined it. Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV declares, “…unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”‭‭

Imagine toiling (working) hard for the resources under your care and you manage to scrape up some portions to give to God as an offering. Now, God doesn’t accept what you’re presenting because of the posture of your heart.

It wasn’t the fact that God didn’t approve the outward condition of the offering—it was the condition of Cain’s heart. The offering was simply a manifestation of what was already happening on the inside.

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 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.” Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

Cain worshipped the “stuff” more than he worshipped God. After Cain’s offering was rejected, God asked him, “Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 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.” Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬.

In other words, according to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word for “wroth” (ḥārâ - H2734), means "To be hot, furious, burn, become angry, be kindled.” Cain tilled the ground, but Cain wasn’t just upset—he was hot, filled with rage.

When God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, it wasn’t a matter of only jealousy that fueled Cain—it was murderous rage that led to death. Cain’s toilsome heart was thorny and filled with thorns and thistles.

Cain saw the success and acceptance of his brother, and he became infuriated. The wroth of Cain was rooted in rage. When your worth is misguided—wroth takes place.

When Cain’s heart was misguided, his direction was misplaced. Cain was more focused on the offering than the condition of his heart. God addresses Cain’s heart condition in the following verse: “Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” If your heart was in the right place—you’ll be accepted.

Cain, it’s not too late—lie the sin at the door. Surrender your heart to God and He’ll direct your path. Cain’s offering was a reflection of his heart. Cain’s hands tilled and toiled in the barrenness of the wilderness—his heart was a reflection of the thorns and thistles that his hands harvested. Cain had a choice. Character has a choice. The condition of your heart is built upon your choices.

You choose. You can either submit to the thorns and thistles of the wilderness, or you can choose to submit your heart to God. Abel, the second-born of Adam and Eve, chose just that. Abel chose to honor God with the best portion of his flock. Offer the choice portion of your gifts, skills, talents, and abilities to God. Present your best. Give God the choice part.