An Acceptable Offering
What is an acceptable offering? People have debated the difference between Cain and Abel’s offering for centuries. Scripture simply does not tell us exactly why Cain’s was not accepted while Abel’s was. We are given a few clues; however. Verse 3 tells us: “Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions.” It appears that Cain simply brought something while Abel brought the first and the best.
Hebrews 11:4 sheds a bit more light onto the difference between the offerings when it says, “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he received approval as righteous, God bears witness by accepting his gifts; he died, but through his faith he is still speaking.” It seems that Abel’s offering was an extension of his faith. Simply by looking at the deeds of Cain and his casual attitude towards murdering his own brother, it is obvious that Cain’s heart was not pure. I doubt anyone would argue against Cain having been an evil man. Proverbs 21:27 explains, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.”
While our modern sacrifices and offerings look different than those that were required before Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, we still give many forms of gifts back to our Heavenly Father. Our very lives are offerings to the Lord. We give of our time, our finances, our gifts and talents, and even our choices. Like the original brothers, God still either accepts or rejects those gifts, and scripture clearly tells us that the condition of our heart and the motivation of the gift play major roles in His decision.
While the story of the first murder shows us the first of infinite demonstrations of God’s mercy, it also shows us the importance of checking our heart before we give to the Lord. As God warned Cain, “If you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (verse 7) Before we volunteer, place some money in the offering plate, or give to the Lord in any way, we must first examine our heart. We must remember the words God spoke through the prophet Hosea: “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God, rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)
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