Reading for January 2, 2013: Genesis 4:1-5:32 (Click here to open)
My selection: Genesis 4:3-5 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.
My Reflections: There is much I would like to know about this incident that God has not told us. What prompted the brothers to worship in this way? Why did they each choose different kinds of offerings? Why did God not accept Cain’s offering?
None of this is clear.
However, what is clear is, first, that an offering is needed for the one who seeks to worship God. Second, not every offering is acceptable. Third, God indicated here whether the offering was acceptable or not and, in the case of Cain, showed him grace and mercy, giving him the opportunity to repent. From the rest of the Bible we see that, though for a time God prescribed animal sacrifices as offerings before Him, these merely pointed to the ultimate and only truly, acceptable sacrifice, the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the perfect offering for sin. We come before God on the basis of His offering Himself for us on the cross. Our own offerings are not just inadequate, they are offensive to a God who is pleased with nothing less than the offering of His Son for sin. [John 1:29-34; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 10]
Thank Him for the perfect offering for sin. Believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Come to God by Him alone. This is worship that pleases God.
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 6:1-9:17 click here to open
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