Your Countenance

Cain and Abel had the same parents and a similar upbringing. Yet there were significant differences, demonstrated by in the offerings they brought to God. On the surface, these might seem to have had equal value. But He respected the offering of Abel but not Cain.

The Hebrew words here reveal that God simply looked at these offerings differently.

Not understanding God’s response, Cain became angry. Unable to hide his feelings, there was a change in his “countenance.” The Hebrew word indicates that he reacted in a visible way. The change was so unmistakable that he could not hide or disguise the truth.

Cain was demonstrating the physical impact that can be revealed from our thoughts and emotions. And the deeper the impact, the harder it can be to mask our true response. The Bible makes it clear that these changes are clear to God, for He sees our hearts. But the impact can be visible for all to see.

We witness the same principle in the life of Stephen. As he appeared before the Council in Jerusalem, it would have been natural for him to be afraid or anxious. But his countenance demonstrated that his life had been transformed, for his was “like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). Everyone could see that he was at peace.

This is an important factor in our lives. And this confirms the importance of genuinely knowing God. Of being filled with His Spirit. Of truly being born again and becoming a new creature in Christ. Knowing that old things have “passed away,” and “new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Changed in ways that are obvious, even by the look on our face.