Abel and Cain depict two prototypes of ways of life,
Abel, being a shepherd, offered the firstborn of his flock as an offering to God, while
Cain, being a farmer, brought some of the produce of the land for his offering.
God looked with favour on Abel and his offering.
But he did not accept Cain's offering.
The acceptance of Abel's offering and the rejection of Cain's was not due to the
difference in the material of the offering, but their disposition towards God.
Abel presented his offering in faith; with love; with reverence towards God; with a sense
of gratitude; with purity of intention; with humility; with faithful obedience; with an eye
to do God's will and with diligence (offering the best of his fock).
Whereas Cain's disposition was marked with indifference towards God; mediocrity;
pride; envy; jealousy; unsubmissiveness and willfulness.
Abel's offering was accepted, as his heart and his life was well disposed towards God.
Whereas Cain's offering was rejected due to his unrighteous life.
Those who live Abel's' way of life are like the seeds sown in rich soil, yielding a harvest
of hundredfold, sixty and thirtyfold through their virtuous life in God.
Whereas those who follow Cain's' way of life are like the seeds that fell on the path; on
the rocky ground and among the thorns - who live faithless; mediocre; indifferent, and
futile hife.
God expects of us to live Abel's way of life - living humbly and obediently before God-
being a living example of HIS kingdom - living a life worthy of God - an acceptable
offering to God.