What an image! God is answering Cain’s gripe about God finding Abel’s offering acceptable, but not Cain’s. It’s not clear to me what was wrong with Cain’s offering, but of course that’s God’s call. Also, in reading about this verse, I’ve found a variety of interpretations. This one, though, speaks to me because of this image of sin lying in wait, like a lion, ready to pounce, and *desiring* to consume us.

C.S. Lewis explored this “pursuit” concept of sin so vividly in “The Screwtape Letters.” The master demon Screwtape is experienced and clever in teaching his apprentice, Wormwood, how to win their “patient” over to their “father” (the one of lies). It’s as sneaky as a cat! Sometimes sin creeps into even our best intentions, and noblest causes. Being too sure we’re right, “otherizing” those who disagree with either our goals or tactics, allowing ourselves to feel pride in our thoughts or actions … all these open the door to sin. Recall that the Pharisees were really trying to be “good,” too!

Our Lenten Study recently was about prayer, and The Lord’s Prayer was the prime example. The words “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” really resonate here. The Genesis account has God instructing Cain to “rule over” sin. The New Testament casts that in a new light, with the power of Christ, which updates that deal. We need to be aware of the danger of that “meow” at our hearts’ door, and do what we can, but only Jesus really has power over it. That’s why we call upon his name.

Lord, open our eyes to the many ways sin sneaks into our lives; forgive us when we fail, and as you taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Amen.