It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man. Hebrews 11:4 NLT
His outfit of
choice for Sundays was typical for his generation.
Dark pants, a white shirt, black shoes. He sat in the same pew each Sunday. As I looked at
him from my vantage point, I noticed the same thing every Sunday: a single
dollar bill tucked neatly in his shirt pocket.
As the
offering plate was passed, he delivered his offering. Had he been like the
widow Jesus told of who gave everything she had, I would have marveled at his
generosity. But he wasn’t. His dollar didn’t represent a tithe, an offering, or
even a sacrifice. I happened to know a little about his financial situation.
His gift wasn’t a sacrifice at all.
Cain’s wasn’t
either. Since he was a farmer, it was natural that he would bring produce to
God as an offering. Yet that was the trouble—he only brought some. Abel, on the
other hand, brought several of his choice lambs to God. Blood wasn’t the issue;
sacrifice was. Cain just gave some while Abel gave his best. God saw the motive
and accepted Abel’s. Cain’s, he rejected.
My sacrifices
for God should be measured by his sacrifice for me. I have a son, but I
wouldn’t sacrifice him for anyone, regardless of how much I might love them.
God did, however, by placing his Son on a cross and then humanity’s sins on
him. This was the only way he could restore the relationship between us and him.
With proper motives, he made the ultimate sacrifice.
Why we give
what we do is important. We should give out of appreciation. We can never repay
God for what he’s done, but giving is one way we can demonstrate our love. How
much we give is also crucial. Single dollars—unless they represent all we have—will
only move God’s Kingdom work forward at a snail’s pace. Proportionate giving is
what God desires . . . a sacrifice joyfully given. God wants actions from us as
well. Money won’t substitute for actions that involve love and sacrifice.
Is there a
better sacrifice you could give God?
Prayer:
Father, we give our best to You because You’ve given Your best to us.
Tweetable: What type of sacrifices are you giving to God?
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