As we continue in the Book of Genesis, we quickly see the lasting effects of sin and separation from God in the self-centeredness of humanity. The first more prominent humans, Cain and Abel, reveal the two choices we now imperfect children must decide. Either we can continue in this broken state, like Cain, and not truly worship God with our very best OR we can choose to be like Abel. Not much is said in Scripture about this brother, but what the Bible does say is more than enough to understand the different heart Abel had. Listen: “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. But Abel brought 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.” (Gen 4:2b-4) Can you sense the major difference here?
When we do things with our own hands, like Cain and working the soil, we tend to think that we are the ones who should be commended and compensated for this labor. See MMI here. But when we think like Abel, when we see that we are just tending to what belongs to God and cooperating with God’s work, then in gratitude we offer Him our best and first. Fat portions on animals are the very tastiest portions and giving of our first means we are trusting God will bring forth more for ourselves. This is the heart attitude of Abel, versus Cain who just threw some of his left overs to God…like God was an after thought, certainly not the center of his being! See it now?
It is the same choice you and I, and every human who ever lived or will live, has to make: will God be our center or will Self continue to rule? It is when we humble ourselves and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord that our heart has a literal transformation. Our dead spirit comes to Life, Everlasting Life, and we can have, enjoy and share that Life here before we enter the Eternal Garden.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The Bible
<>< Peace, Diane
