It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
Hebrews 11:4
A Tainted Sacrifice
In Hebrews 11:4 we see a reminder of a tragic story of pride and jealousy. Cain and Abel were Adam and Eve’s sons. They both worked hard and reaped what they sowed in more ways than one. Cain was the firstborn son. Cain was the farmer and Abel was the shepherd. While they both made sacrifices to the Lord, God loved Abel’s sacrifices more. He knew something that they did not. While they both made sacrifices, Cain’s heart was far from the Lord. When God did not accept his sacrifice, Cain murdered his brother and lied about it to God. God predicted this event in Genesis 4:2 when he told Cain that sin crouched at his door. Sin took hold of Cain and did not let go.
Unfortunately, this still happens in churches across the world today. Many go to church and “make their sacrifices,” yet their hearts are far from the Lord. Take some time to pray for your own heart, that you would not allow sin to crowd out your sacrifices for the Lord.
A Prayer to Remember
Dear Lord,
Protect my heart. Help me forgive. Forgive me for my sins. May my sacrifices be that of Abels, pleasing to your heart. Amen.