The story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve in the Bible, had always been a puzzle to me. They both gave their gifts to God but I wondered why God did not accept Cain's gift but accepted Abel's. Two Sundays ago's message at the church was a revelation! It was the principle of first. Pastor and author, Robert Morris, spoke to our church about giving and this was my big take away:
In Genesis 4:4-5, it says: "When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift, the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but He did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected." The key words here are: some, best of the firstborn. Cain, a farmer, was not accepted because he did not give the firstfruits of his harvest. He just gave some of it to the Lord. On the other hand, Abel, as a shepherd, gave the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. Cain did it his way. He gave his gift when he wanted, the way he wanted. Abel did it God's way. So what does this tell me and how can I apply this to my walk and relationship with God?
This story of Cain and Abel is just one of the many stories that teach those who believe in the Lord Jesus about tithing. The tithe is the first tenth that we bring to God from all the blessings He has given to us. God is God. He owns everything. He doesn't need our money. He doesn't need the ten percent. It is a matter of the heart. Of gratitude. Of love to the One who first loved us.
Thoughts and Reflections:
Is He really the first in my heart? In my life?
Am I honoring God by bringing Him my first and best
from all the blessings I receive?
from all the blessings I receive?
(For a full message of Pastor Robert Morris, follow the link: Principle of First and watch Simplify part 4).
