Do you want to have a faith that still speaks even after you are dead?
“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.”
Hebrews 11:4 NIV
Having an enduring faith involves having a heart that is willing to surrender your all to Christ. Romans 12:1 NIV says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1 NIV
“Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Genesis 4:2-7 NIV
Have you ever wondered why God was pleased with Abel’s offering and not Cain’s? There are four views as to why Cain’s offering was found unacceptable. For the sake of brevity, I will discuss the three I find most plausible.
Not a blood sacrifice. Sacrifices in the Old Testament foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice Christ would make to save us in the New Testament. This would have meant Cain would have humbly needed to exchange his fruits for a lamb.
Not Cain’s firstfruits.
When we come to God in worship we are to bring Him our very best— our firstfruits. Proverbs 3:9 NIV says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;”
Cain had the wrong attitude.
When we come to God’s altar we must come with not only an attitude of obedience but also a repentant and forgiving heart.
- “But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” -1 Samuel 15:22 NIV
- “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” -Proverbs 21:3 NIV
- “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” -Matthew 5:23-24 NIV
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for your infinite love and mercy. Please help us to please You with our worship and have an eternal faith, that testifies of Your love. Amen.
