The analogy of sin being like a disease is a fairly good one, yet in some ways it is quite an underestimation. In 10 generations, mankind went from communing with God, to desiring only evil all the time. Sin reaps chaos not only in the individual but it also spreads to the family, the community, the nations, and the world. Genesis 4-6 demonstrate the devastating effect, and rampant growth of sin in the time following Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden. In many ways, these chapters are a painful reminder of how much was lost, yet true to His character, God's grace, mercy and love prevail. We could never really know how much we need Jesus if we don't first understand the depravity of sin.
Please read Genesis 4:1-16.
When I was a child the story of Cain and Abel really bothered me. I could not understand why God would refuse Cain's offering. He was a farmer, so it made sense that he would bring the fruits of his labor as an offering. Likewise Abel was a shepherd, so of course he would bring an animal. I could not see the difference between the offerings. God however doesn't look at the outward appearance, He looks at our heart and motivation.*
Many commentators stress that Abel's offering was accepted because it was a blood sacrifice, the only acceptable atonement for sin. Cain's offering on the other hand was not accepted because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."** Scripture however, does not specify that this was a sin offering. There are other types of offerings, beside the sin offering, where God would accept offerings from the soil.*** Though it is entirely possible that the issue of blood and forgiveness was part of the problem, it might not have been the only problem. The fact that the Bible doesn't say exactly why Cain's offering wasn't accepted, to me, indicates that God's issue was not so much about what was offered. God knows our motivations and I think it was Cain's heart that troubled the LORD.
Hebrews 11:4 says, "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice then Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead." At the same time, Jude describes Cain as being rebellious, judgmental, hypocritical, arrogant, and self-serving.****
Cain brought to the LORD "some of the fruits of the soil." He did not bring his first fruits, the best of his crop, he brought what he wanted to bring. Cain offered his leftovers out of obligation, he wanted to be accepted by God on his own terms. Abel, on the other hand, brought the firstborn of his flock, the very best of what he had and gave it to the LORD in obedience and faith.
God is not interested in our leftovers, nor does He want to be an obligation. God desires, and really deserves our first fruits, the very best of what we have. Ultimately, though, He's not that interested in any of our outward offerings, He's after our hearts.
"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:16-17
It was clear from Abel's sacrifice that his heart was toward God, so God accepted it. Cain's heart was full of pride, he wanted to show God that he was good enough. When his offering was rejected, instead of turning toward God for forgiveness and acceptance, Cain felt personally rejected and let the seeds of bitterness take root. And still the LORD pursued him
"Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?'" Genesis 4:7a
God came to Cain! Even though his offering hadn't been accepted, God still loved Cain and wanted him to chose the right thing. He reminded Cain that all he had to do to be accepted was to do what he knew was right. God wanted to accept him, but God could not overlook his sin. All Cain needed to do was repent, to be sorry and to turn his heart toward God. Out of love and concern God warned him not to let his anger and bitterness take hold. He told Cain that sin would take him further from acceptance. If Cain didn't get hold of his desires they would control him.
Cain felt reject by God, but his anger was at his brother for making him look bad. If they had both been accepted or rejected Cain would have felt justified, but Abel's acceptance put a spotlight on his short comings. When the LORD came to Cain, rather then seeing a loving God, he felt further chastised. His anger became hatred, and his hatred became murderous.
"For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire had conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:13a-15
When I was young I felt so sorry for Cain. To my childish mind I thought God had rejected him, but it was Cain who had rejected God. God pursued him, reached out to him and warned him that evil was trying to take his mind. God loved Cain, but Cain hardened his heart against Him. Now it breaks my heart that Cain could turn his back on God.
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:...hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition...and the like...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:19-23
* 1 Samuel 16:7
** Hebrews 9:22
*** Leviticus 6:14-23, 7:11-18
**** Jude 1: 11-16
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