Some Cain questions that will serve us well when we are considering acts of generosity, our material response to Jesus.
First, is my gift sacrificial? Notice that Abel gave from his best and Cain just gave "some.". If there is no sense of material loss, then chances are we have only given a "some" gift and not a "best" gift.
Second, is my gift obedient? God has much to say about what we give and to whom. When God killed the first animals to create clothes for Adam and Eve, He was instituting the principle of a life sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, a prophetic moment for what Christ would be for us. So Cain's sacrifice was not in keeping with what God required, an animal sacrifice. Cain gave what he wanted to give instead of deferring to God's demand. We do not have animal sacrifices anymore but we do have a God who speaks! Are we listening, are we giving what He asks and to whom?
Finally, is my gift cheerful? Not only did Cain fail in giving sacrificially and obediently, but he gave begrudgingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver. This great text in Genesis confronts us with the sobering reality that we are either being accepted by God or controlled by sin. The attitude of our hearts when we give is a key determiner of which path is ours, God acceptance or sin controlled.
Give well!
Pastor Fred
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