In Part 2 of our "Cain and Abel" episode, I explore Cain's reaction to his disregarded offering. When Cain experienced an emotion for the first time, God counseled him. And when Cain acted upon that emotion, God again had words with him. I invite you to join me in today's episode as we discuss how Cain introduced one of the vilest things humankind has ever known.

In Genesis 4, the humans' story is passed to the next generation with the births of Cain and Abel. One is a farmer, the other a shepherd. At some point, these brothers choose to make offerings to the LORD. One offering is regarded, the other is not. This story raises several questions: Where might they have gotten the idea to offer sacrifices? Why might one offering have been disregarded? Why might God have regarded the other? How might God's approval have impacted the Scriptural story had things gone another way? I invite you to join me in this first part episode as we explore and discuss some possible answers.

With the LORD God having clarified the consequences that will now ripple through reality, the text transitions. What comes next is the man and woman prepare to live out of their newly diminished roles in an unwelcoming world lying ahead. It is a sad and bitter moment. But it is not without hope.