Did you know God likes gifts? A best gift we could give to God. Our devotion. What our heart is devoted to……our heart will worship. Another best gift. Worship.
In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel offered two contrasting gifts to God. What they gave to God reflected their state of devotion to God.
”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 portions of the firstborn lamb from his flock.”—Genesis 4:3-4
Abel cared about his gift to God. Cain didn’t. Did God know. Yes. Because “the Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but He did not accept Cain and his gift.” —Genesis 4:4
What matters to God isn’t the actual gift because God doesn’t really need our gifts. It’s the devotion processing of our hearts in deciding what to bring to God.
Abel’s commitment to God motivated him to give God the best portions while Cain only gave “some things.” We give our best to the one we love. Abel loved God and it’s manifested in what he picked.
Abel elevated God in his offering. This is the highest act of worship and it stems from his deep affections and love for God.
What is offered to God far outlasts the temporal things we possess here on earth. In addition, we learn from Abel that God delights in our devotion and worship to Him.
This week before Christmas, offer up to God one thing you can give Him. Every day. Pray over one thing.
An act of kindness. A letting go of a hurt by someone. A desire to treat someone back in an ungodly way they have treated you.
Pray over your offering to God. Your innermost. For His utmost.
Gift God your very best. Gift God your devotion and worship.