 Monday: Honoring God in His Way
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat
thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.
Genesis 4:4
There is a great deal that can be learned from studying different aspects
of giving. To name just a few aspects, we can consider the kinds of things
that are given, their value, the timing, and the setting. In addition to
the tangible and financial aspects, there are observations such as "it is
the thought that counts." The scriptures reflect God's reactions to gifts
and offerings, and those accounts tell us everything that we need to know.
The earliest accounts in the Bible of offerings begin with Cain and Abel,
the first generation born to man. Perhaps Adam or Eve started the practice,
but there is no record of it. Nor is there any record of a law or command
that required offerings. Cain and Abel simply did it.
Abel was a shepherd. He gave offerings of sheep, and he gave them God's way.
He gave to God a part of what he had. It was the best he had, and he gave
it without delay. His actions spoke volumes about his thoughts and his purpose.
God had blessed Abel with productive animals, and Abel was eager to honor
God by showing his gratitude and returning an offering.
God respected the offering, and more importantly, God respected Abel. God
did not demand anything. He did not require Abel to give anything that he
did not have, or to deliver any lambs before they were born. For his simple,
humble act of gratitude, Abel received the respect of God.
As we continue on our pilgrim journey, are we genuinely grateful for God's
blessings? Do we seek to honor God? What are we giving? If it is time, is
it the first time that we schedule, and is it our best time? Are we eager
to make our offering to God? Could God respect us or our offering the way
that God respected Abel? In short, are we honoring God in God's way?
Generous heavenly Father, I am grateful for your blessings and amazed
by your generosity. Every day you provide for me, and in my need you provide
abundantly. Give me joy in my offerings to you. Make me eager to return a
portion of your blessings so that you will know that my heart finds happiness
in you, and not in the things that you have given me. In the name of Jesus,
your Son and my Savior, Amen.
|