April 19, 2024
Scripture for today: Read Genesis 4:1-15.
Adam and Eve’s first two sons, Cain and Abel, were as different as night and day; or perhaps put more appropriately, darkness and light.
Abel cultivated a close walk with God, but Cain just did things his own way. Their sacrifices reflected their hearts toward God and as such, Abel’s offering was accepted and Cain’s was rejected.
Because his sacrifice was rejected, Cain got very angry with God and his countenance fell. The Lord responded to Cain’s anger with these words of warning, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Cain refused to heed God’s warning and in a premeditated fashion, he murdered his brother Abel.
Anger is indeed a powerful motivator. If not handled appropriately, this volatile emotion invites the devil to make our hearts his playground. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath nor give place to the devil.”
Even Jesus spoke about the connection between anger and murder in the Sermon on the Mount. Remember, it is never good to nurse your anger regardless of the cause. So, if you are angry, then get it right with God and with others.
Otherwise, you might engage in actions that you will live to regret.
This devotion is based on Marty McLain's book "The Crown has Fallen: A Study of the Kings of Judah."
