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Cain & Abel - Consequence and OpportunitySample

Cain & Abel - Consequence and Opportunity

DAY 4 OF 5

Cain’s Consequence

There are consequences for our actions. Our choices affect others and can impact our circumstances, relationships, and settings.

Cain violates a boundary, and the consequence is stiff. Adam, Cain’s father, sinned. The result was that he was exiled from Eden. Exile is a form of death. His work was cursed—the earth became challenging to cultivate. For Cain, the consequences go a step further—the ground would no longer yield crops at all.

Cain is exiled from his livelihood. He now must be a “restless wanderer on the earth.”

Cain responds, saying that this is something more than he can bear. Genesis 4:2 describes Cain as someone who “tilled the soil.” It was not just his occupation; it was part of his perceived identity. Now that identity has been stripped away. 

We are all descendants of Adam and Cain. We are exiled from a perfect garden. We are not living God’s purpose for our existence—ruling the earth in harmony with one another, with nature, and with Him, our Creator.

Like Cain, we are restless wanderers. We seek a place to settle, a place to rest. We desire a return of our authority to rule the earth. We long for a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Thankfully, there are positive consequences for good choices. When we make a decision that honors God, serves others, and reflects the glory of Christ in each of us, we reap positive consequences. The beauty of joy. The grit and intimacy of steadfastness. The hope of trusting.

Our good choices may not work out as we hoped in this life. But exercising sound judgment and noble character always reaps a good consequence, a godly reward. Sometimes those rewards are put on layaway.

Faithfulness can restore the tremendous losses experienced by Adam and Cain. That is a promise worth pursuing with all our strength.


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About this Plan

Cain & Abel - Consequence and Opportunity

The story of Cain and Abel is a classic narrative rich with insights and invitation. This five-part devotional series from Yellow Balloons explores Cain’s journey as he struggles to hear and perceive God’s ways. All along the way, the Lord stays near Cain. That act of love offers us hope for redemption, no matter how great our sin.

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We would like to thank Grace School of Theology, in partnership with Yellow Balloons and El Centro Network, for providing this devotional plan. Grace is devoted to developing spiritual leaders in every nation who can teach others about the love of Christ. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level academic degrees. Its Grace Center for Spiritual Development (GCSD) provides non-degree studies, live online Bible study opportunities, and resources. For more information, please visit https://www.gsot.edu/center/ and http://www.elcentronetwork.com.