Wednesday's Word: Timshel/"Thou Mayest"

 

Timshel is a Hebrew word which translated, means, "Thou mayest" 
 signifying a choice. For example, "Thou mayest triumph over sin".

 

Cain Killing Abel
Pietro Novelli
(1603-1647)
Italian Baroque painter
Image courtesy/National Galleries of Scotland

 

 In the story of Cain and Abel, God addressed the anger and rebelliousness felt by
   Cain after the Lord rejected his offering, but, accepted the offering made by his
   brother, Abel. God reminded Cain that he could choose to make the right choice, 
to bring the correct sacrifice. 

 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right,
 sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”
(Genesis 4:7)

God was concerned with the faith and obedience within Cain's heart.

But, instead of making the right choice, Cain gave into the sin crouching
at his door and confronted his brother Abel in the field and murdered him. 
Cain's decision cost him dearly.  He lost fellowship with God.

"And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt
 in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden."
(Genesis 4:16)

"In all ages, there have been two sorts of worshipers, such as Cain and Abel;
 namely, proud, hardened despisers of the gospel method of salvation, who attempt 
to please God in ways of their own devising; and humble believers, who draw near
 to Him in the way He has revealed.  Cain indulged malignant anger against Abel.
He harbored an evil spirit of discontent and rebellion against God.

 God notices all our sinful passions and discontents. There is not an angry, envious, or
 fretful look, that escapes His observing eye. The Lord reasoned with this rebellious man;
if he came in the right way, he should be accepted. Some understand this as an intimation
of mercy.  If thou doest well, sin, that is, the sin-offering, lies at the door, and thou 
mayest take the benefit of it. The same word signifies sin, and sacrifice for sin.

Though thou has not done well, yet, do not despair; the remedy is at hand.
Christ, the great sin offering is said to stand at the door. 

'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens
  the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me."
(Revelation 3:20)

And those well deserve to perish in their sins, that will not go to the door to ask for
 the benefit of this sin-offering?  God's acceptance of Abel's offering did not change
the birthright, and make it his; why then should Cain be so angry? Sinful heats and
disquiets vanish before a strict and fair inquiry into the cause."
-Matthew Henry's Commentary