Cain-The Older Brother

Over the years I've had symptoms of the "Older Brother" traits.  I came into salvation when God drew me to himself, knowing that I was in need of daily conversion.  Even though I was a good religious little girl I was a sinner but I have needed a constant reminder of Gods holiness and my utter failure if not for the Blood that was shed on the cross.  Still after 30 years of relationship and intimacy with Jesus I find myself murking in the mire of the "Older Brother"

Who's the Older Brother? 
In the New Testament (Luke 15:11-32) it's the Prodigals big brother who was angry and offended that the Father would grant and participate in such a celebration as to "kill the fatted calf" for the wayward, disrespectful and selfish younger brother who easily cast spent his inheritance.

In the Old Testament it's Adam and Eve's son Cain. (Gen. 4:2-9)  Who was a productive farmer or rancher if you will.  It seemed like he was in good standing with his parents and God.  It seemed like he followed the law; but we couldnt really tell how "good" he was until his younger brother came along and offered his 1st fruits of his harvest AND God had respect for it....Wow! this ticked Cain off! Cain saw how God loved and appreciated Abels love offering...oh the jealousy that burst his heart wide open. All his labor and his offering and God never seemed to aknowledge them.... What about all that he had done and been! and out of his heart spewed the foulest of iniquities...
*Offense to the point of rage; out of control anger
*Envy for his little brother
*self righteous haughty pride about the "christian" he was.
*Disrespect for the God that created him and unbelief in law and way.

We don't even know if his parents saw this incredible ugliness coming out of their son.  But the Father did and sought to reason with Cain their older son.  God asked Why are you angry? why has thou countenance fallen?  God knew what was lurking about ready to destroy; he was trying to warn him. It was simple, do right and you will be ok; do wrong and sin lies at the door....
Cain was not talking to God at the point...he would not reason....and conjoured up his own solution to his discontent.  His anger and jealousy were so out of control that he killed his own brother and didn't care about it...


Oh God as we persevere in our race, deliver us from the traits and conditions of the Older Brothers Prison!