Genesis 4:3-4
v3. “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.”
At the time of Cain and Abel, sacrifices were not required or expected by God. In Genesis 4 we see man’s desire to give to God, to honor him, and present to him a pleasing sacrifice. There were no regulations, just faith. Cain and Abel were presenting a freewill offering as part of their worship.
However, God found favor with Abel’s offering and not with Cain.
These passages are the first act of worship by sacrifice in all of scripture and it is very telling that Almighty God has preferences with regard to worship. God found favor with only one of the offerings. Just like Cain and Abel, we bring freewill offerings to the Lord and while there are no requirements per se on our sacrifice, are there offerings that God finds favor with and others that he does not?
What was the difference between Cain’s offering and Abels? Have we ever thought that God might find favor on certain offerings we make more than others?
As we begin this worship journey, let us examine our routines, evaluate our practices, and purpose in our hearts to bring offerings truly worthy of the God we love and serve, offerings that he will find favor with.
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