That’s Not Fair
“And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard…”
Genesis 4:4b-5a
“That’s not fair!” Those words are echoed on every playground, playroom, and ice cream shop daily when two children compare situations, sizes, or outcomes of games. Parents wince when they hear those words screeched. Every child has at one point in time uttered those words or something pretty close to it and if we are honest those words rule our adult vocabulary and penetrate our heart every time we feel slighted.
Perhaps the first time this was felt is when God honored Abel’s offering over Cain’s (see Genesis 4). The bible records Cain’s reaction, “ So Cain was very angry, and his face fell” (Genesis 4:5b). As a Bible teacher I have often found myself defending God’s “fairness” in his judgment of Abel’s offering. People want to know if Cain was given a menu of acceptable offerings or what exactly was missing from Cain’s offering. I have been asked by students a whole litany of “what if” questions regarding Cain’s offering and God’s “fairness”.
I want to ask another question, “was Cain’s reaction fair?”
Grame Goldsworthy notes that, “Cain refuses God’s verdict in which his offering is rejected and his brothers accepted”[1] In short Cain says, “that’s not fair” but does Cain have the jurisdiction to make a ruling in this matter? Recently, I was observing my daughter correct one of her children (always so much fun) and she said, “…watch your tone.” I knew exactly what she meant, I heard it too – it sounded like a familiar tone I had heard from my daughter’s mouth when she was that age. The tone was an inappropriate way to talk to her mother. Cain’s anger and attitude was an improper response to the God of the universe. How can Cain call to question God’s verdict on how He is to be worshiped or what authority does Cain appeal to? How does Cain know which offering is good and which one is bad.
God as King, having full authority over his creation, is a difficult concept for us today. Especially for Americans, who rebelled against a monarchy and declared independence. Humanities fight for independence over God is not new. Isaiah said of Israel, “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him…” (Isaiah 45:9a). Isaiah goes on to describe humanity as nothing more than pottery. “Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?” (Isaiah 45:9b). We don’t have the authority to question God’s verdict on our offerings.
Cain didn’t like the King’s response to his offering, but God gave Cain an opportunity to change his tone (i.e. give a right sacrifice - see Genesis 4:6). It is refreshing to think about Jesus’ saving work, His grace and mercy. It is encouraging to think of God as your father and the giver of gifts. Thinking of God as King, ruler and sovereign over his creation invades my personal perception of ruling my individual kingdom. Lifting my heart to my healer and redeemer is easy, bowing my knee to the King his hard.
I want to do the hard work in my walk with Jesus. I want to bow my knee to the King daily and ask “Lord what is your bidding.” Too often (if I am honest) all I want is God’s blessing on my personal Kingdom and the “right” to call out God when someone else gets something better, but I must realize I as the vessel don’t have right to say, “Why don’t I have any handles” (see Isaiah 45:9) or perhaps in my case that I do have handles and I wish I didn’t. I want to live each day in service to the King – May His Kingdom come and may I learn to lay my kingdom aside.
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.”
Deuteronomy 10:17
[1] Goldsworthy, G. (2018). According to plan: The unfolding revelation of god in the bible. IVP.