GOD'S WILL OR SELF WILL  PART ONE
 
In Genesis Chapter 4 a literal story is written and all I can say is the primary interpretation,practical application,and prophetic implication in the narrative is just incredible.If you read some of my previous articles I said I would take the reader through the stories of the Bible starting from Genesis and moving forward. I have to totally rely upon God to do this because I do not have these articles written. God of course is faithful and will show his children precious truths in His Word. I am excited!
 
In my last article I left off at the point where Adam was always sharing his faith  with his children.The Apostle Paul said in Phil 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ." Adam and the Apostle Paul had something in common. They both were showing their faith. As I shared with you before in every story of the Bible there is the primary,practical and prophetic levels of interpretation. I am not going to get into the prophetic aspect of this story too much except to say I think it is very interesting that when one takes a broad look at the story of Adam,Cain,and Abel I believe this is just a snapshot of the three roles of humanity in the form of a triangle. Adam being the (1) leader at the top of the triangle(2) Abel being the follower at a bottom point in the triangle and moving across the bottom of the triangle to the other 3rd point would be (3) Cain the resister. A person can lead in the Spirit of God or in the flesh,follow in the Spirit of God or the flesh,or resist in the Spirit if God or the flesh. In life there are leaders,followers,and resisters. I believe it is a triangle of humanity and I don't believe it is by accident that it is in the beginning of the Bible. This is a picture of the way subsequent generations would respond to life.
 
Getting down to a more primary and practical level the Holy Spirit showed me some key pivotal points that are paramount for us to know not only in our minds but more importantly in our hearts. I believe that Adam had a heart for God (repentance;conviction) and I could see him talking to his kids about the Lord. The evidence is in the implication of scripture. Adam did teach his children about God because the Bible says both Cain and Abel gave a sacrifice to God. One was accepted and the other was rejected. Abel was interested and it became evident in his actions. Cain was not interested and did not care because it became evident through his actions. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20.He responded in a way that was against God's Will. When a person hears the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they have their own will they are going to go their own way. That is what Cain did. Abel was attentive to his father because he responded with such an obedient heart. In like manner when we preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ some will be attentive and some will not. Cain and Abel represent the two different types of responses that one can have to Jesus Christ. A person can either say I care and I want to accept Jesus Christ into my heart as personal Savior or I don't care and reject Jesus Christ. This same model is also seen on the cross. Jesus Christ was in the middle and one person was to his left and the other person was to his right. The person to his right accepted Him into his heart,the person on His left rejected Him. Once again this did not just happen,it was symbolic of the two choices that mankind can make.
 
The fact that Abel did not make this sacrifice until he was of age speaks of a true authentic conversion. He thought about it and  sincerely desired God's Will. Adam sowed good seed in Abel's heart. Since the seed was sowed Abel was able to respond with sincerity to God from his heart. Cain just simply did not care because he had self will and that type of attitude is never interested in God.
 
Their sacrifices to God were different because they had two different jobs in life. Cain brought the fruit of the ground but he had a leftover mentality so God just simply would not accept this.Abel brought the firstlings of his flock. The reason why God accepted Abel's sacrifice is because it was from his heart.  In like manner God knows when somebody is sincerely accepting His only Son Jesus Christ or just simply repeating some words.
 
In Jewish culture the oldest son was given special privileges so maybe in Cain's heart he did not feel the need for God. The Bible says in Acts 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth,and said,of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Romans 2:11 says "For there is no respect of persons with God." I think it is interesting that after Cain's sacrifice was rejected the Bible says... "And Cain was very wroth,and his countenance fell." Genesis 4:5. God even tried to reason with Cain in verses 6 and 7. When we do something wrong and God tries to reason with us I believe once again there are two different responses. A good example would be found in the Gospels. Peter betrayed Jesus Christ three times but he repented. Judas betrayed Jesus Christ and then took his life. God was giving Cain an opportunity to repent; however he chose a whole different course of response. That will be for another article Lord willing.
 
It is true if you are reading this article you either want God's will or self will. God's will through His Son Jesus Christ is always the path that we should take. If you feel you desire self will rather than God's will ask God to help you and I know He will because you have just confessed in your heart that you need God. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your heart then this is God's will for you. He is ready and lovely willing with open arms to come into your heart. Like Abel all you have to do is come to Him with an earnest heart and Jesus Christ Himself will recognize this and come into your heart.
 
I can really relate to this story because the model of what God is trying to show us is so real not only to our life but eternity. I hope to talk about the rest of this story in my next article and not only relate the rest of the narrative to life but also show you how it typifies eternity.
 
Bob D.