Genesis 4:3-5 – ‘In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry and his countenance fell’.

Genesis 4:8 – ‘Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go out to the field”. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him’.

God did not endorse Cain’s offering because it was not in line with what God expected. In the Garden of Eden after the fall of Adam, God stitched a garment cutting an animal and clothed Adam and Eve, since an apron made from fig-leaves could not atone for their sin.

Abel by offering the firstlings of his flock ensured that there was shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22), while Cain did not adhere to this sacrificial requirement God expected.

Summing up, Cain did not want Abel to live, because he would always be a threat to Cain by faring better before God and claiming the honours. It was the insecurity of Cain that led to jealousy and jealousy in turn led to hatred and murder.

Thought for the day: The spirit of mediocrity always makes war against the spirit of excellence.