The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. Genesis 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.
This is a possibility. We do find examples of God’s fire coming down from heaven and consuming a sacrifice that He accepts in the early part of the Old Testament.
If that is the case, then you can imagine the scene: The family arrives at the altar. “All right,” says Adam. “You can 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 then stand back!”
So Abel places his gift on the altar, says his prayers, 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 a few seconds, burns it up. Abel watches wide eyed. God has heard his prayer. God has accepted his sacrifice. God has smiled upon him.
Then Cain drags his crate over to the pile of stones 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 turns to watch the spectacle. He holds his breath, but nothing happens. An hour later and nothing has happened.
Cain is humiliated. “What is God doing? What is so great about Abel’s stupid offering?” Cain feels sick, and he begins to get angry. And there is a long silence on the way home.
Why do you think God didn’t look with favor on Cain’s offering?
