The Men of the Bible section from Volume XV Issue II of the PCC Scroll. The issue continued with the calendar year’s overarching theme of “Walking Out Your Purpose” with a theme of “Being a Good Steward.”
Name:Abel
Meaning:Breath
His Character: Abel knew what God expected, and he willingly offered the best of what he had to God.
His Sorrow: He was murdered by his jealous brother, Cain.
His Triumph: Abel was a shepherd who took care of the flocks. Since Abel offered his first and best fruit, his sacrifice was accepted by God.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 4
Name: Cain
Meaning: Smith, spear
His Character: Cain did not do what was expected by God. Then he reacted defensively when his offering was not accepted. He reacted to his disappointment by lashing out at his brother instead of taking responsibility for his own lack.
His Sorrow: Cain found the punishment of his actions to be severe. He was forced to leave his home and became a wanderer.
His Triumph: Cain was a farmer by profession and tended the land. Although God placed a curse on his livelihood, God promised to protect him from those who would attempt to harm him. He had a second chance, and he experienced God’s grace and mercy.
Key Scriptures: Genesis 4
Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam of Eve. Cain was the eldest, while Abel was younger. It is very probable that Adam and Eve shared their encounters with God with their sons.
Although Cain and Abel were brothers, they were very different. Both knew what was expected of them. Abel was obedient and gave God what was expected – the first fruit of his labor. Cain, on the other hand, withheld his best. He was then affronted when his offering was rejected by God. What is interesting is that God gave Cain a chance to do what was right. God told Cain he would be accepted if he did what was right. For whatever reason, Cain decided to not do it.
Instead of correcting his attitude or offering, Cain became angry with his brother and slew him. Cain denied any knowledge of Abel’s whereabouts when confronted by God. He was then banished, and his punishment was to become a wanderer. In God’s mercy, God did place a mark on Cain to protect him from retribution from man. Though the earth that Cain once worked would no longer yield any crops for him.
Cain did have a chance to start over. He married, and he started a family. His first son and city were named Enoch, which means consecrated. Although he had to live with his sin, he must have marveled at the grace and mercy of God.
I think it’s easy for us to become jealous or envious when we feel others are accepted more than we are or that others are being elevated and we are not. Cain is an extreme example of the harm that comes from reacting with anger, hatred, or malice. In this case, it led to murder. When we plant seeds of discord against our brothers and sisters in Christ, we are doing the same thing. Any actions out of anger or jealousy always lead to serious harm.
Abel is certainly an illustration of someone who would hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Like the servants who increased their talents, Abel multiplied what God gave him. He was listed in the Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11, and God approved of the gift he offered.
When we offer the best of our gifts and talents, it must come from our hearts. Abel offered his first fruit and the best. Cain offered to God, but he kept the best for himself. Let us learn from this lesson and be sure to offer God our best. Our time and efforts for God should not be secondary. Like Abel, it should be from the best in us.
LaTonja Brown 