187 (Genesis 4:7)

SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

Cain brought to God an offering, but God did not except it. The Bible does not tell us why Cain's offering was rejected. Maybe he didn't bring God the best of his crops? Maybe he brought his first fruits but he did it in a begrudging way? How Cain made his mistake is not as important as what he did after he made the mistake. Cain became dejected and angry. God warned him that his anger would hurt him, but if he just did what was right he would find joy. Cain instead choose to be angry and in his anger he killed his brother. As a result he was banished as a fugitive and forced to wander the rest of his life.

I would like to think that in some way Cain reconciled with God later in life because in verse 17 he founded a city. Yet his sins were far reaching. It would seem that his anger was passed down through his family to his great-great-great-grandson, Lamech, who committed the second murder recorded in the Bible. Cain's descendants are in stark contrast to those of Adam and Eve's new son, Seth, who's descendants where noted for calling on the name of the Lord. 

APPLICATION
Admit your mistake as soon as you become aware of it and then correct it. In Cain's sin, his brother's blood called out to God from the ground. Likewise you may be able to hide your mistake for a time, but the truth will come to the light.

The difference between Christians and non-Christians is not that a Christian is perfect and everyone else is evil. Christians are filled with just as much sin. However, a Christian has admitted his mistake to God, reconciled through the sacrifice of Jesus, and turns from sin with God's help. A true Christian stands out not by pretending to be perfect, but when he openly admits his mistakes and fixes them. 

PRAYER

God,

Thank you for your grace when I fail.

Convict me of my mistakes and lead me to the best outcome.

Amen.

If the primary method of fixing all your mistakes includes duct tape: