Cain Asking for Help

After Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, they were expelled from the garden. However, this sorrowful scene turned to some joy when they became parents. Adam and Eve came together as man and wife and through the processes which God put in place, they had a son. Eve joyfully declared, “I have acquired a man from the LORD” (Gen. 4:1). The first son, Cain, was soon followed by his brother, Abel (Gen. 4:2). We can only imagine the rejoicing and wonder Adam and Eve must have experienced together as the first parents.

The Bible does not reveal much about the boys’ upbringing or development to maturity. Through the passage of time, they grow to an age where it is appropriate for them to work and bring offerings to the LORD. Abel’s offering was accepted by God while Cain’s offering was not (Gen. 4:3-5). The second recorded controversy between God and man was regarding improper worship. After God warned Cain about the danger of being very angry and explained how “sin lies at the door,” Cain rose up against his brother and killed him (Gen. 4:6-8). God pronounced judgment on Cain for murdering his brother (Gen. 4:9-12). Only then did Cain ask for help. He made a plea for God’s mercy concerning his punishment (Gen. 4:13-14). God in His lovingkindness was willing to provide protection for Cain (Gen. 4:15). Pause and consider, why wasn’t Cain asking for help earlier—before he had murdered his brother and caused himself to be separated from his family?

Before he made the situation worse, Cain’s only real problem was that his offering wasn’t accepted. Surely if he would have requested some guidance and assistance from his parents, Adam and Eve would have lovingly helped their son to bring an acceptable offering. The will of God has always included a prominent place for continuing parental guidance (Prov. 1:8-9; 6:20; Eph. 6:1-4; 2 Tim. 3:14).

Knowing that Abel’s offering had been respected by the LORD, Cain had even more options available to him. Rather than becoming angry and jealous because of his brother, he could have learned from him! Perhaps it would take some humility, but it’s not hard to imagine Cain asking his younger brother, “Why were you accepted? Can you show me what I’m doing that’s different?” Good examples should be noted, so that we may improve (Psa. 37:37; Php. 3:17). It is wise for us to take advice and even criticism from faithful sources (Prov. 12:15; 19:20; 27:6).

Ultimately, we know the greatest avenue of blessing available to Cain. Instead of comparing himself to Abel, Cain could have cast his cares upon God (1 Pet. 5:7), learned His ways (Psa. 86:11), and kept His commandments (Ecc. 12:13). God is always found by those who honestly seek Him (2 Chr. 15:4; Mt. 7:7; Acts 17:27). We can imagine Cain asking for help sooner and seeing a very different result! Don’t make the mistake of waiting too long or allowing problems to grow. May we all learn to seek help today.