Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.
Genesis 4:3-4
The first family did not have a church. They had some kind of altar. Perhaps it was just a pile of stones, but it was the place where they met with God.
Each boy brought an offering. Cain had a crate of fruits and vegetables; Abel had some animals from his flock. Then we are told: “The LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell” (4:4-5).
We are not told how the family knew that God was pleased with Abel’s offering, and not Cain’s. But there is a tradition that fire came down and burned up Abel’s sacrifice, just as God’s fire came down from heaven and burned up Elijah’s sacrifice at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).
Try to imagine the scene: The family arrives at the altar. “All right,” says Adam. “You go first, Abel. Remember, the altar is the place where God meets with us. Place your gift on the altar. Say your prayer, confess your sins, and stand back.”
Abel does as he is told, and as he walks back to stand with his family, suddenly fire falls from the sky—like lightning. It strikes the meat on the altar and, within seconds, burns it up. Abel watches wide-eyed. God heard his prayer and accepted his sacrifice. God smiled upon him.
Cain drags his crate over to the altar and arranges his fruit and vegetables. As he walks back to join the family, he is convinced that when God’s fire falls from the sky, his bonfire will put Abel’s to shame. Cain holds his breath, but nothing happens. An hour later and still no fire. Cain is humiliated. “What is God doing? What’s so great about Abel’s stupid offering?” Cain feels sick, and he begins to get angry. There is a long silence on the way home.
Why do you think God didn’t look with favour on Cain’s offering?
