Holy Devotion
Bible Devotional
Genesis 4:3-5 - A right heart, a right offering

Scripture:

Genesis 4:3-5
3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground.
4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering;
5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.
NASU


Thoughts:

What was wrong with Cain's offering?  Why did God not have regard for it?  One theory is that God's displeasure was due to Cain bringing the wrong kind of sacrifice.  He brought grain, rather than an animal sacrifice.  For this to be an offering for his sin, an animal should have been brought.  But I don't think that is what is going on here. 

First, Cain did not keep livestock, but raised crops:

Genesis 4:2
And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
NASU

Therefore, bringing an offering of grain was bringing what he had to give, just as Abel did.  Second, the Law had not yet been given, and so the idea of an animal offering had not yet been revealed, even if it may be implied by the animal skins God prepared to cover Adam and Eve's shame.

No, I believe that Cain's offering was unacceptable not because of what it was, but how it was given.  I believe Cain's heart was not right when he brought the offering.  His selfish response to the Lord's displeasure (verse 5b) which then boils over to murder (verse 8b) I think confirms this:

Genesis 4:8b
And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
NASU

God cares more about our hearts, than what we bring in our hands.  It would appear that Abel's sacrifice was acceptable because it was an outward expression of his right relationship with God.  Cain's however, was unacceptable because his heart was far away from God.


Prayer:

I thank You God, that Your posture towards mankind is "come as you are."  Your desire is for a relationship with me and every other person who has ever lived.  It is not perfection in our flesh or flashy offerings that You desire.  You desire humble hearts which You then clean up by Your power.  Continue Your sanctifying work in me!

Amen

 
Links
Welcome
How to Know God, Personally
About the Author
Special Thanks
Contact Us

Online Devotionals
Search Devotionals
Old Testament
Genesis
1 Kings
Ecclesiastes
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Micah
Zephaniah
 
New Testament
Mark
Luke
Acts
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 John
2 John
3 John