The other day I read to David and James from James's baptismal Bible the story of Cain and Abel. I can't stand that story, I really can't. I was reminded of it again when I read verse 8. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight." You always hear people say that its the thought that counts, but God says, "Eh, no."
However, the comment in my Bible about the Proverbs verse says reminds me that "Worship does not substitute for right living. The sacrifices and worship of those who treat others unjustly are considered hollow and meaningless." Makes perfect sense. To make me feel better, I would have to believe that God knew Cains heart was not behind his sacrifice. Cain might have been going through the motions with his sacrifice, or holding back the good fruit from the harvest. BUT when I read the Cain and Abel story in my Bible, the comment says that either God knew Cain's heart OR God just made a choice. Oh man, here we go again. I am fortunate that I have two parents that love me very much and have always encouraged me in my life. But outside of the home in work and in school I know the jealousy that favoritism breeds. Its awful. If you feel you have done your best and yet someone else gets the credit and admiration seemingly by random choice, it really gets you going (see: Joseph and the dream coat). Was Cain "wicked" before his offering? Or does God just like fatty food over fruit?
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