#109: Giants of Faith II: Abel's (Acceptable) Sacrifice

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By Faith, Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which it was testified of him that he was righteous (upright, in right standing with God), and God testified by accepting his gifts. And though he died, yet through [this act of] faith he still speaks. Hebrews 11:4

Thank God for granting us grace to study at His feet. Last week we introduced the concept of faith. this week, we take a peek at the heroes of faith, and the first on the list is Brother Abel. In order to understand this testimony about Abel, let us look at the story in Genesis:

And in the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground. But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest] firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the LORD had respect (regard) for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and his offering He had no respect. Gen 4: 3-5

In the light of our anchor text, we can see that God accepted the sacrifice of Abel because of his faith in God, and not primarily because of the offering that he brought. Cain could not have brought a lamb as a sacrifice to the LORD because it was not what he had. He brought to the LORD from his labors. It is also particular to note that God accepted Abel first, before his offering; and in like manner, God rejected Cain first before his offering. It was not a question of their respective offerings. It was a question of their personal stand with God. By faith, Abel offered a more acceptable offering. His offering was accepted because of his faith in God. If we read further, when God was cautioning Cain:

And the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you so angry?  And why do you look annoyed? If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted?" Gen 4: 7.

Cain brought an offering to the LORD, but without faith. He did not believe the LORD, He disregarded God in his heart. Can we learn from Abel? Are you working in the vineyard of the LORD, and in the eyes of the LORD, your sacrifices are not accepted? Are you working in the house of God but with disregard to Him? Everyone who comes to God must believe that He exists.

By this kind of faith, the men of old gained divine approval. and God's standard has not changed in this generation. Even though Abel is dead, his act of faith still speaks; and it is speaking to us today. Showing us an example. Be an Abel in this generation. Jesus said the Father seeks worshipers who worship in spirit and in truth. worshipers like Abel, not worshipers like Cain that only worship with their lips alone. Jesus said the Samaritans worshipped a God they do not know, in other words, their worships were not accepted. Do you experientially know God? Do you have faith in God? He is more interested in your relationship with Him than your sacrifice.

Prayer: LORD I am sorry for going about Your business carelessly. I am sorry for working in Your vineyard as though that is the sacrifice You desire. Thank You for opening my eyes today that the sacrifice You desire is actually a contrite and a broken heart; a heart that reverences You. LORD work on my life that I may begin to offer acceptable sacrifices to You. Amen

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