Genesis 4:13-14 (NKJV), “And Cain said to the LORD, ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear! … I shall be hidden from Your face; …”
 

Isn’t it remarkable how even after the fall of man, God never abandoned His prized creation. He followed Adam and Eve right out of that garden and remained a very present presence in their lives.  When Cain and Able grew up, being second-generation sinners, God still spoke with them - He remained close and contactable. His love for them didn’t in any way or form diminish. What did happen however, was man’s choice to become less and less conscious of God’s presence. Mankind had to learn how to master sin’s presence, so it didn’t rule over him.  Even though there was a plan for redemption in place, if people could keep themselves in a place of being God conscious, and walk in His ways, they would be able to experience His blessing and favour. For Able, this choice seemed obvious. Scripture says Abel’s offering to God was more excellent than Cain’s. He presented the best of what he had, with a sincere heart towards the Lord. Cain knew his offering was not pleasing to the Lord, and his response of anger and jealousy demonstrated his lack of humility and respect for God. God, like a good parent, spoke with Cain about his attitude, warning him about how dangerously close he was to being ruled by his anger, and showed him the way out of sin’s trap (Genesis 4:7). But Cain cared little for God’s opinion, and in a jealous rage, murdered his brother. When the Lord spoke with Cain, who had unashamedly lied to His face about his crime, He explained the just punishment he would have to endure. From Cain’s response, we see the realization of the consequences of his actions hit him hard. Even though Cain lived with a rebellious attitude towards the Lord, and harbored a blatant disregard for His ways, just the thought of being hidden from His face and not being able to live in His presence - was too much for him to bear. Not long after Cain’s generation, the wickedness of man and the calloused condition of his hardened heart towards God - was significantly noticeable. Thank God for Jesus! Through salvation in Him, we now have the eternal life of God constantly flowing in us! We are able to live in the full awareness of His indwelling presence and draw from His supernatural power to overcome sin’s sinister nature. As we remain attentive to and conscious of His closeness, our lives will reflect His love and grace, His mercy and kindness, His favour and blessing in the midst of the wickedness around us. God’s presence in us is even able to turn even the most calloused heart - back to Him. Remain aware of His presence in you and with you today.