And It Came to Pass

Genesis 4:3-8 says: And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering

Cain and Abel were both taught how to worship and glorify God by their parents Adam and Eve. In the process of time, Cain exposed a rebellious heart, while Abel demonstrated an obedient heart. Both brothers had “time” for truth to be established in their hearts and “time” exposed their hearts. Abel believed “this is what God wants” and, therefore, God respected his offering. However, Cain believed “this is what I want” and God rejected his offering and an atti­tude of bitterness and hatred took root in his heart.

Therefore, in the process of time, Cain’s hatred caused him to murder his brother, Abel. God’s two-fold plan was revealed: disobedience strives against obedience and obedience exposes disobedience. In time, the heart reveals what has been concealed. God’s desire is to conceal the heart, in order to heal and mature the heart before it is revealed. Unresolved issues in the heart have the potential to infect and affect our rela­tionship with God first and then others. Acts 24:16 says “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

As a tool of the enemy, any unresolved issues can also bring division and disunity when we do not handle them Biblically. The adage, “Time heals all wounds;” seems to imply that the healing and closure of pain is a direct product of time. Time can foster hate and bitterness, or it can also foster love and forgiveness. Notice it is all how time is handled. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Prayer:  Father, thank You for time. Time to confess sin, time to grow and mature and even time to get things right with You first and others. You are truly a Good, Good Father!!

(by Cheryl Torain)