Where Do We Come From?预览

Sin is Crouching at the Door

"The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.’” (Genesis 4:6-7)

Cain was jealous of his brother Abel because God paid attention to Abel and his sacrifice, but not to Cain and his sacrifice. The background to this story is not stated. However, we do read that the Lord God had a personal conversation with Cain to warn him. Cain was at a crossroads here. He could give in to his anger, for sin lay like a predator ready to strike. Or he could consciously choose to do good, thus restraining the beast of sin.

Unfortunately, Cain gave way to his anger and killed his brother. God called him to account for that. Abel's murder had major consequences for Cain: “Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” (Genesis 4:11-12)

Sin brings about curse, not only for the victims but also for the offenders. How important it is to resist sin! To what extent can we do that, do you think? What does it take to break free from the grip of sin?