Cain's Rebellion

What in this offering can’t you see?

It’s a perfect reflection of me.

God, I’m feeling rather confused.

And by your denial, my ego is bruised.

I am so far beyond perplexed.

Frankly, I’m feeling angry and vexed.

Full Submission to you, I dislike.

And in my rage, I’m ready to strike.

Although I shouldn’t give it an ounce,

Sin is primed and ready to pounce.

Though you warned me to rule over it,

My fists are clenched, ready to hit.

Oh, there’s rage that is lurking inside.

And it is getting much harder to hide

I want to go and attack my brother.

Though I know it will wound my mother.

By doing a deed that can’t be reversed.

And living forever marked and cursed.

This poem is inspired by Genesis 4, when Cain rebelled against God and killed his brother Abel.

Have you ever wondered why Cain became so angry when God did not accept his offering? It clearly mattered deeply to him, or he wouldn't have reacted with such fury. As a worker of the land offering his own produce, I cannot help but wonder if Cain felt God rejected him because his identity was rooted entirely in his work. He wanted to claim that identity for himself, making it loud and clear that he refused to submit to God or recognize that true identity comes from our Creator—not from what we produce.

How often are we guilty of that exact same thing? What do we grasp onto as strictly "ours," refusing to lay it down before God?

If you are interested in reflecting and pondering this further, click the link below for printable reflection journal sheets that correspond with this poem and Genesis 4.

Cain's Rebellion- Genesis 4 Reflection Sheet