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Day 2
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. So Cain was very angry, and his face
was downcast. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your
face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you
do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have
you, but you must master it."
(Genesis
4:3-7)
Our
offerings to God at church do reflect the desires of our hearts, don’t they?
True, the
all-knowing Lord was perfectly able to read Cain’s heart—and the sway sin
had within it. Similarly, He certainly knew Abel’s
gratitude toward Him and his cheerful generosity.
But the
state of their souls was reflected in their offerings also.
Abel brought “fat portions” (considered the very best) from some of
the “firstborn” (considered the very best) of his flock.
Cain merely brought “some” of the fruits of the soil—not the first, not the
best.
How about
us? Do I bring the first of my money to the Lord: with
complete confidence that the dear Lord will surely deliver to me the rest of
what I need? Do I bring the best of my money to the
Lord: with total trust that such generosity will not leave me and mine
unfed? Or does God get the wrinkled leftovers?
Thank God
that: when we had fallen short, God gave His first, His best, His only dear
Son as an offering for us. Jesus’ innocent obedience to
His Father availed for you and me. His body and blood
were worth the salvation of every soul, and are still delivered to us –
wonder of wonders! – in Holy Communion.
And isn’t
it exciting to think that the Holy Spirit is using your cheerful and
generous offering today to deliver that good news to children born tomorrow?
Questions to Consider
1)
Looking at your offering
envelope, what would God’s words to you be?
2)
Reading your heart, as you
prepare your offering, what would God see?
3)
How necessary to a
congregation are its buildings?
Prayer
Savior,
Jesus: I praise You for offering for me Your best—Your holy and precious
blood, Your innocent suffering and death. Make me
willing to die for You, and all the more to live for You—also giving to You
cheerful, generous offerings. Amen.
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