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Hebrews 11:4
The story of Cain and Abel is found in Genesis 4:1-16. And in our passage today of Hebrews 11:4, the author of Hebrews speaks of the faith of Able being, “more excellent” (NKJV) than the faith of Cain. But if we read about the sacrifices offered to God by Cain and Abel, we see that they both offered sacrifices to God from the resources that they each had; Abel offered a sacrifice from his flock, and Cain offered a sacrifice from his harvest. So we ask, “Why did God accept the sacrifice of Abel but not the sacrifice of Cain?”
There are many avenues in which we could take in answering this question, but I will only state that it was not because the sacrifice of Cain was not worthy to be presented to God – grain offerings were later implemented in the old covenant sacrificial system given to Moses by God. Much could be discussed in this matter, but the main point is that Abel offered a sacrifice to God with a sincere heart. While we may argue that Cain also had a sincere heart when he offered his sacrifice to God, jealousy overtook him when Able offered his sacrifice (Genesis 4:5-7). If Cain’s heart would have been sincere throughout the process, he would have been grateful that his brother also offered a sacrifice to God, and they would both have been accepted by God in a fellowship of worship to God – together, sincerely.
This is an example of the necessity of having a sincere heart to God.
These are the first sacrifices to God as recorded in the Bible. They represent the need to be sincere to God in our actions and intentions of our heart. We cannot hide things from God – He knows everything about us even before we do. This first lesson of giving sacrifice to God shows us the proper way to God, and of how the trickery of Satan can attack us into falling to sin and being drawn away from God. This theme will reign true throughout the entire Bible and in the lessons in which we glean from it. Sincerity of heart to God is what He seeks and requires from us in salvation. He offers us a gift if we will seek Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-40), which to do requires a sincerity of heart. And in it, to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is only possible if we choose Jesus and make a point to seek His will for our lives. I encourage you to do so today and begin a new life – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
As You created mankind, Satan immediately went into action to attempt to pull us away from You and the relationship in which You desire for us to have with You. Satan divided brother from brother and he will divide each of us from You if we give him a chance. Please help us to see the importance of coming to You with a sincere heart in accepting the free gift in which You offer to us through the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus. It is only through Him that we may obtain a righteous life. It is only through what Jesus has done for us that we may be forgiven of our sins and begin a new life as You desire each of us to have for eternity basking in Your glory. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.