Here are some thoughts I had when teaching in Cain and Abel. In Hebrews 12 :22-24, the author declares, "But you have come… to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
Abel’s blood cries out against Cain and injustice. Jesus' blood “speaks a better word” because it cries out on behalf of unjust people--you and me. Now the justice is not against us, but for us(Rom. 8:31).
Do you know what happens when you realize the blood of Jesus cries out on your behalf? The blood of Jesus changes Cain-like, “elderbrotherish” anger. It drives it out because it changes how you view what you are owed, and what think you deserve.You realize what you are owed is judgment—for your wrong deed and for the reasons you do the right things. You realize there is an outcry against you and you deserve the righteous wrath of God. You received mercy instead! You are loved!
Anger still wells up. But now you know why. And you learn to repent of self-righteous pride and your joy returns. More and more, you lose the anger of Cain, you become sweeter. You sense the privilege of being accepted. You see your life, no matter what you are going through as a gracious gift. You stop trying to justify yourself and tear down others down.You throw away your time sheet that says God owes you. You are no longer a grumpy Cain, but a sweet Abel.
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Would you say that this is connected to the the "unlikeness" of the gift in Romans 5?
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