“The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, & 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
Many people have so many different ideas and perspectives of who & what they think God is. I think what blows my mind is that there are so many aspects to who God is & the role He plays in our lives.
In one of my quiet time sessions a few weeks back, this passage stood out, displaying one of God’s most gracious qualities & roles in our lives…that of watchman.
In context of the passage, the previous verses describe how Cain & Abel give sacrifices to the Lord. Abel provides burnt sacrifices from the first of his flock. Cain, on the other hand, provides fruits & veggies from his harvest. There’s not really a lot of context as to whether or not it was the first or choice picks of his harvest, but ultimately God approves of what Abel gives but not of what Cain offers. Who knows…maybe it just came down to Cain not giving out of the right place in his heart- but ultimately, Cain becomes jealous & angry over it, then God comes to him & says this- to watch out because sin was crouching at his door.
I especially love how He says that sin’s desire is contrary- or against- Cain…meaning the endgame of Satan & sin is against what is BEST for Cain, & ultimately all of us. God is warning Cain. God knows what is growing in Cain’s heart & He is warning him to fight back against his desires, to put down the desires that will ultimately ruin him & everything else.
I just love this. It’s a reminder that God isn’t out to condemn us…we’re already condemned because our separation from God because of sin. But the reminder is that God is constantly fighting for us, He is constantly trying to point us in the right direction…towards Him. He is warning us that our natural tendencies & desires are actually contrary to what is best for us. Our natural tendencies & desires are easier upfront, following them will bring maybe blissful, but ultimately temporary satisfaction & then ruin. Following them will cost us everything in the end. He could choose to let us do whatever we want…but He tries to warn & save us, instead. God is our watchman on the wall…calling out & warning us that the enemy is at our door ready to attack if we don’t fight back & keep the door closed. He is our watchman, trying to guide us in what is best for us.
Nowhere does our Watchman say that what we will have to do will be easy or painless…but He knows it will be for our best & His glory…& that’s all that matters…
It’s up to you, though, as to whether you will heed or ignore the warnings of our Watchman.
Be blessed, friends.