When the farmer kills the shepherd (Part I)

Main Course: And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him (Genesis 4:8).

A Cain spirit is secretly jealous of those who have prospered and have obtained God’s favor. This is a spirit of jealousy which was reflected in Cain toward this brother. His offering he brought from the field was not his best and therefore God rejected it. When we don’t give our best, we dishonor God who so rightfully deserves the best. You see when we haven’t done our best for whatever reason, a spirit of rejection and condemnation lies at the door of our hearts. The Bible says that jealousy is as cruel as the grave which means people will do anything (even murder) to avenge the hurt, anger and pain of rejection (Song 8:6).

Many of us may think we would never go that far of actually taking someone's life, but most kill or slaughter with our words and attitudes of the heart. Words are like swords (Is. 49:2). This was also the case with the prodigal's brother; he was jealous because his works didn't match up to the grace of God that his brother received to return home. **continued**