August 13, 2024
Cain and Abel -- Part 2
Genesis 4:3-5
08/13/2024
3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an
offering of the fruit of the ground,
4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his
flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had
regard for Abel and his offering,
5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So
Cain was very angry, and his face fell. (ESV)
In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an
offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also
brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat
portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his
offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no
regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.
Adam, the first man, taught his sons about God. Although
this morning's verses are the first mention of a sacrifice in the
Bible, undoubtedly Adam instructed Cain and Abel that it is good
to give thanks to God for His rich blessings. Sacrifices are to
be given in faith. By sacrificing the firstborn of his flock,
Abel shows faith that God will provide future blessings. Cain,
on the other hand, made sure that he had plenty on hand before
giving to God.
Do we trust God and give to Him our time, talents, and
treasure even when we are not certain of the future? Do we show
knowledge, agreement, and trust in His promise of providing us
our daily bread? Or do we give from our abundance, waiting until
we have more than enough before giving an offering back to Him?
The sacrifices of time, talent, and treasure are not simply
to the church, but for the good of our neighbor. Indeed, giving
to the church while ignoring God's directive to love our neighbor
as ourselves is not pleasing to anyone. Serving God by serving
our neighbor, trusting in His goodness and mercy, not our own
strength, shows our faith in Him.
May our Lord grant us faith to trust in Him, both for
physical blessings and for life everlasting for the sake of Jesus
Christ. Amen.