SABBATH 39—SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

Two Brothers, Two Offerings

Genesis 4:4—“Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.”

Cain and Abel—two brothers who were tested similarly to their parents, Adam and Eve. These siblings were very different from each other, both in character and in conduct. With their deeds, they divided humanity. Each represents the two classes of people that will exist in this world until the end of time—some for God and some against God. Both learned directly from their parents that Christ, symbolized in the slain lamb, was the means provided to save man. They also learned that the system of offerings that was ordained by God expressed their faith in the coming Savior.

But while Abel, who possessed a spirit of loyalty to God, saw justice and mercy in the Creator’s dealings with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption, Cain harbored feelings of rebellion and murmured against God, which ended up making him rebellious and disobedient.

The difference between the two was most clearly expressed by how they brought their offering to the Lord. Cain relinquished God’s rights over him. His rebellion led him to respond to God’s commands according to his own choice, instead of embracing God’s plan. He proposed to justify himself with his deeds and earn salvation on his merits, refusing to recognize himself as a sinner in need of a Savior.

Abel’s sacrifice was consumed by divine fire. It was God’s way to say, “Yes, I accept you. You are forgiven.” Abel’s surrender to Christ was accepted. His sins were forgiven. God is primarily interested in the cleansing of the offerer, thus enabling him to be a channel of blessing. The offering comes as a consequence, spontaneously, voluntarily, and out of love. That’s why the Bible says, “The LORD respected Abel and his offering.” First, God is pleased to see that the worshipper’s heart is free from selfishness, and only then is He pleased with the offering that this worshipper gives.

Appeal: Can you fully surrender to Christ today? Let Christ take possession of your whole life. And once He’s within you, may He give you the love, the will, and the willingness to give your offerings. You will need no one to pressure you to give because you will spontaneously and joyfully surrender everything you have to the Lord. Then the Lord will accept you and your offering, just as He did with Abel.