Cain and Abel. Can and able.

I see my nature in Adam and Eve’s sons, Cain and Abel. Cain worked the land. Abel tended the flocks. When offering time came to present their God-given harvest, Cain brought a seedy portion of his produce. Abel stocked a butcher block full of his animals’ first born.

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Scripture isn’t detailed, but I visualize Cain wheeling in his overripe fruit and shriveled veggies. The offering plate comes to Cain and his “fresh picked daily” looks like it was yesterday’s fresh pick. Meanwhile, Abel steps up to the plate and presents this morning’s meaty cuts from prime stock (hopefully not from Adam’s rib selection that was used to make Eve).  

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I don’t know the natural abilities of Cain and Abel but in this text, they display their heart. One son can. One son does. The fruit of their spirit is marketed by their action.

Sometimes I resemble Cain. I’ve been given what is necessary to complete my mission yet hold back from giving my best. In a soul search, I’d glean fear, stemming from concern for lack. What if I don’t have enough energy? What if I don’t have money, time, knowledge, exposure, experience,…?

I’m unable to do many things. My creator designed me that way so I could learn to rely on him. Sometimes in my self-reliance, I think I can, but choose to be unwilling.

Frighteningly, the flip side of lack is also fear. Fear of success. What happens if I achieve a goal? Then what? What if I complete an assignment? Will I be able to keep up? Can I meet the next challenge? How will I maintain what I create…?

I’m a blend Cain’s action with an Abel heart. By offering his firstborn, Abel shows how he trusts that God can and will make a way. When he is loyal, Abel sacrifices his fear for faith. God could and did. He still can and does!

Because God can, I will.

Offering my spirit so I can willingly plant good hearted seeds,  

Christina

“…The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast (Gn. 4:4-5).

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