Text: Genesis 4:3-5
Further Reading: Matthew 5:23-24
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Genesis 4:3-5
MESSAGE
God accepts the man first before his offering. Our God is not necessarily interested in a man’s offering, His main interest is first the man. When a man brings an offering to God, it is not the offering that God accept but the man.
God does not spend money nor eats deliciously prepared food. Nothing you give God is worth anything. The Bible says our God owns the cattle upon a thousand hills. Silver and gold belong to Him. He is the almighty God. (Psalms 50:10-13; Haggai 2:8)
God does not take money or any form of offering from sinners. Our God Cannot be bought or bribed. Whatever a sinner may bring, God will not accept it until the sinner repents.
False prophets, pastors, apostles, teachers, and evangelists are out there receiving offerings in the hands of sinners. They are the enemy of the cross of Jesus Christ whose god is their bellies, whose end is destruction. (Philippians 3:18-19).
Anyone who emphasises offering rather a change of life is an imposter, a fraud, a false teacher. Beware!
Heaven is the throne of God, and the earth His footstool, no building can contain His Majesty. God will not even allow His beloved David to build Him a house because he was a man of war and has shed blood abundantly(Isaiah 66:1-2; 1 Chronicles 22:7-8)
In our text of the day, notice that the Lord had respect unto Abel and then his offering. Only an acceptable man before God can offer an acceptable offering to God. The righteous God accepts the offering of those who have been made righteous by the finished work of Christ.
Our further reading tells us that God is not interested in our offering if we have unsettled matters with the brethren. God is not moved with gifts. Before you offer another offering, are you living right with God? Are there issues you need to settle? Are there restitutions to be made?
Whatever a sinner brings is an abomination unto God. If his prayer is an abomination how much more is his offering?
The greatest gift God gave was His Son and the greatest gift you can ever give to Him is your life. Have you offered Jesus your life?
REFLECTION
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
The only acceptable offering you give to God is your life yielded a holy and living sacrifice unto God.
PRAYER
Father, I yield myself a living sacrifice unto you from today.
