“At harvest time Cain brought to the Lord a gift of his farm produce,
while Abel brought several choice lambs from the best of his flock.”
Genesis 4:3-4
It is not my intent to add to the list of speculations about Cain and Abel’s offerings. However, I am quite fascinated by the short descriptions of the two. Cain, the farmer, brought a gift from his work. Abel, the shepherd, brought choice lambs from the best of his work.
Just a gift, or the best gift—which one pleases God? His instructions in Leviticus were clear: animal offerings should have no physical defects. Other offerings were to be from choice flour or the best of the fresh wine and grain. In fact, in Malichi God called sacrifices of blind, crippled, or diseased animals “worthless.” and He labeled those who promise to give a fine offering but bring a defective one instead, “cheats!”
So, I wonder if I’d be labeled a cheat. Do I give God the best of my time, the hours when I have the most energy? Or do I give Him the leftover moments when I feel exhausted? Do I serve Him with what I do the best, or with what I can do the quickest? Do I offer Him the treasures I love most, or the dregs I don’t mind losing?
My God does not deserve worthless gifts—He deserves the best of me!
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