CAIN WAS BORN AGAIN

CAIN WAS BORN AGAIN
(By Latunde Akin)
I observe how people regard Cain with the disdain reserved for a consummate sinner.
I see how others distance themselves from Cain merely because God disfavored his demeanor.
I witness those in church employing their limited perception and understanding to judge those they deem inadequate.
Abel, Cain's younger brother, born of Adam, was a shepherd, while Cain tilled the land.
Both were familiar with the Lord.
Both worshipped the Lord.
Both maintained a relationship with God.
Both understood the essence of offering their all to God.
Both experienced rebirth according to their enlightenment in transformation at that time.
THAT WAS A BORN AGAIN EXPERIENCE TOO according to that dispensation pattern.
Indeed, there are many believers today who are like Cain. Many pastors are like Cain. Numerous church workers resemble Cain.
Many had profound experiences with God, much like Cain. They possess the discernment to sense God's presence. They can ascertain whether their offerings are accepted by God or not too just like Cain.
Do not tell me Cain was ignorant of God.
Do not suggest he was indolent or idle.
Do not infer that his vocation as a farmer was inferior to being a shepherd.
The mere act of offering his harvest as a sacrifice to God signifies a profound knowledge of Him.
Where did Cain falter?
The scriptures state, "Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord - Genesis 4:3," and "Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock... Genesis 4:4."
From the scripture, it is evident that the distinction lies in the word "fat," not "some."
God is not concerned with the quantity of your service in His vineyard. God does not seek the quantity of your sacrifices or offerings.
God desires the quality of your worship or offerings, which is invariably linked to your obedience and the condition of your heart.
Cain's divine encounter was marred by selfishness, covetousness, and a diminished quality of offering. He likely reserved the best for himself, offering the second best to the Lord. Meanwhile, Abel presented his finest.
A secret here
What truly delights God about our offerings is the heart of obedience, not the gift itself. God perceives either worship or warship in our sacrifices for His glory. Offering a warship to the Lord means being prepared for conflict. Be mindful of the signals you send to heaven. Cain sent the wrong signal, and turmoil persisted in his life. Had he repented, I believe circumstances would have changed.
I personally encountered this recently and repented immediately.
I intended to give an offering and heard the Holy Spirit urging me to give the highest denomination. I disregarded this and gave the second best. Upon leaving the place of worship, all the money in my pocket vanished. I realized I had missed God's desire to offer the best currency. I repented immediately by answering another divine call to bless a missionary, to demonstrate my remorse and learning.
Occasionally, when people give to bless the missionaries, God restrains me from uttering divine words in response to their kindness, beyond a simple thank you. Sometimes, the Spirit moves me to offer intercessory prayers that even stir my envy, wondering why God favors such individuals more than myself. That is the nature of God. He discerns our hearts during our offerings or services.
I now comprehend why Cain erred.
God valued quality above quantity.
Cain could have repented but chose jealousy, leading to Abel's murder. Cain became a wanderer, marked for divine vengeance. People feared harming him due to this mark. He lived in spiritual stagnation, dying without repentance. He forfeited his place with God, and Abel's blood continues to speak.
What many fail to realize is that God perceives blood in every form of sacrifice or offering—not mere physical actions or monetary contributions. When Abel offered his fat (not quantity) sacrifice, God sensed the aroma of Abel's labor. When Abel's blood was shed, God witnessed another righteous soul's blood crying for justice. Hence, the blood of Jesus was shed to provide justice for sin and judgment on Satan and his demons.
The currency in the spiritual realm is always blood. Therefore, exercise caution in presenting sacrifices to the Lord. Always offer your best to the Master. Be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the God you worship. Do not squander your life before His altar like Cain, Ananias, and Sapphira.
Cain knew God but lost Him due to his inability to offer his best to his Master.
Are you born again? Understand that being reborn is insufficient. You must continually nurture a heart aligned with His worship.
May you and I not become spiritual wanderers in life's journey. Amen.