I guess I never really thought about what this story is before this most recent study of it. I always viewed it from the stance of vengeance, murder, etc. And while those are critically important aspects of the tale of these two brothers, I submit the opinion that it is not the most important.
This is at its heart a story of doing enough versus doing a little bit more. Cain's offering was "enough" to get by in his mind. However, Abel made an offering that he felt was worthy of God. He did a little bit more. And God took favor with Abel. Note that God did not take favor with Abel's sacrifice (this is important), but that he took favor with Abel...more importantly, God likely took favor with Abel's heart. (Could it be that Abel was the original "man after God's own heart?") Cain, in a fit of rage and jealousy, murdered his brother, and tried to hide that from God. We know how that turned out (little bit of a pattern in this family, huh?)...
Some thoughts from the journal...
"Do I do just 'enough' to get by? Do I honor God with my offering (money, life, service, heart)? What am I trying to hide?"
"Cain and Abel...are both living inside me? Sometimes I try to get by...others, I am on FIRE for God. Who is winning that tug-of-war?"
"God does not need our sacrifices. God created the world...can have what he desires...wants to see we have a generous heart and spirit."
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