ESOCS Devotional 2 December 2021
TEXT: GENESIS 4:1-6
MEMORY VERSE: “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord hath respect unto Abel and to his offering” (Genesis 4:4 KJV).
The Greek word, “to have respect of persons,” means, “to receive the face of a person,” i.e., to look at the outward appearance – at the feature and the stature, etc., whereas we know that “God looks, not at the outward appearance, but at the heart.” When, therefore, we read that God had respect to Abel and his offering, we must divest ourselves of any idea of favouritism or unfair preference on His part.
In our text, both Cain and Abel made offerings to God, but only Abel gained God’s respect. Why? The key to the verse is in Hebrews 11:4—”By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain . . . God testifying of his gifts.” It was not that Abel was “more excellent” than Cain, though very likely he was, but that his sacrifice was more excellent; so that God simply had respect to Abel because of his sacrifice. The expression, “by faith,” shows conclusively that God had revealed how His creatures were to approach Him, “for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” No doubt, Cain’s sacrifice was not beautiful enough, but it was Cain’s way, not God’s.
God is interested in the state of our heart when we approach Him with our offering. What is the value of our offering? David said he will not sacrifice to the Lord what will not “cost [him] something” (2 Samuel 24:24). Solomon offered a thousand burnt offering unto the Lord (2 Chron. 1:6). Oftentimes when we want to give unto the Lord, we begin to look for the smallest denomination of money in our wallet. Sometimes, some people look for the dirtiest notes, yet we want the best results. Abel’s offering made God to have respect for him. Solomon’s offering earned him the wisest and richest king that ever lived. The blessings are just too numerous. You also can gain God’s respect when you offer unto God your whole heart. Offering the fruits of your self-effort will not justify you before God. Instead, when you come before God with Jesus as your offering, not only will you be justified by your faith, you will also gain God’s respect and blessings.
- What are the things that hinder you from giving a worthy offering unto God?
- Lord God, help me to offer my whole life unto you and let it be pleasing in thy sight, in Jesus name.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 24:24-25; 2 Chronicles 1:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 2 December 2021
