“At the appointed time, Cain brought an offering to the Lord from the produce of the ground. Meanwhile, Abel brought the firstborn of his flock along with their fat portions. The Lord looked favorably upon Abel and his offering, but He did not regard Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and his countenance fell.”
Genesis 4:3-5 AMP
I have to say, every time I have read this story of the Bible I simply have read this story as nothing more than sibling rivalry, however now I see a much deeper truth revealing their devotion to the Lord and His authority in their lives.
I have been reflecting on this scripture for some time now. While the context involves livestock and
crops, it serves as a lesson on the significance of tithing, which reflects the condition of our hearts. The contrast between Cain's and Abel's sacrifices is striking. Abel presented his FIRST fruits, offering his best. God could not accept Cain's offering because it did not represent the finest and first of his harvest. When God holds the first place in our lives, He deserves nothing less than our best. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous references emphasizing God as being 1st, omniscient. Even if we do not prioritize Him, He remains first.
Consider this deeply. Do we have faith in God, love Him, and trust that He will provide for our every need? Offering our first and best is an signifies who holds the first place in our hearts.
The disparity between Cain and Abel's offerings truly reflects the state of their hearts and the position God held in each of their lives.
The theme of first-fruits recurs frequently in the Bible, often in the context of tithing. There are accounts of sacrificing firstborn children, Abraham being asked to sacrifice his only son Isaac, and both are concepts mirrored in God giving us His firstborn and only Son, Jesus.
Comments