I noticed our Christmas cactus flowering in May. I would have thought it should bud in December. Then I noticed the majority of the blossoms were on the right side. The plant bent around the corner that blocked the sunlight to stretch for the light.
The story of Cain and Abel focuses on Cain’s inability to perceive God’s intent. Cain was blind to the precedent set by God when He expelled his parents from the Garden. God made a blood sacrifice to cover their sin. Abel offered a blood sacrifice and Cain did not. It was man’s second chance to come clean with God.
God asks Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
Cain stood on the dark side of the family grounds. He didn’t change his attitude toward the sacrifice of plant life. He killed Abel.
God’s Word invites us to humbly consider how we should change, not how God should change our circumstances. Had Cain removed himself from the circumstance and given a blood offering, his life would have been blessed instead of cursed. He wouldn’t have had to wander without success in agriculture.
Like the cactus that sits on the stool searching for the light, consider how much better our circumstances would be if we search out the light of Jesus. The pot contains the same soil throughout. The water comes from the same source. It is obvious the portion of the plant that grows toward the light gains in stature and productivity. Had Cain taken charge of his anger—taken charge of his circumstance and done well—God would have approved him.
You have the opportunity. You can take charge of your circumstance and do well, or you can wander over to the door and experience the sin that waits. The cactus can’t complain about its circumstance, but it certainly aimed for a better existence.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and Mockingbird.)
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Warren Johnson self-published a novel years ago and works at bringing the sequel up to industry standards. He lives with his wife of forty six years, Barbara, in northwestern South Carolina. He fathered three kids and loves the ten-child descendants they bring to the table. Motorcycling and radio control airplanes use up some retirement time.