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: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (Genesis 4:4-5, KJV)
The Word of God in the book of Romans chapter 12:1-2 says:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Paraphrasing the above, it will read as follows: I appeal to you my brethren by God’s mercies, to present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God… that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Looking closely at that passage, you will notice that God delights in us, much more than the sacrifices we offer to him:
Samuel replied, “Has the Lord as much pleasure in your burnt offerings and sacrifices as in your obedience? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much more interested in your listening to him than in your offering the fat of rams to him. 1 Samuel 15:22 (TLB)
In our reading, God first accepted Abel before his offering was accepted, and Cain also was rejected before his offerings were. There is no way God can accept the offering of a man He has rejected because He values our relationship with Him than the sacrifices we offer.
Daddy G. O. once told the story of a man that assisted the church some years ago and God told him clearly to return it because He had rejected the man.
So many people in church today think God will accept them based on the activities or services they render in church instead of holiness and righteousness.
Some are radical givers; they can give anything for the work of God, but their lives are the exact opposite of the gospel which they support. But God, not wanting any man to perish still offers His hand of mercy to us, which many do not want to accept.
In the words of Dr. Paul Eneche, “what value will it profit anyone to heal the sick, raise the dead, minister as a chorister et al yet dies and go straight to hell?”
God loves us and had to offer His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you and I so that we can have fellowship with Him which means He wants our friendship more than our offerings.
Will you accept the sacrifice He paid for you?
It is well with you!
https://samsonaboloje.wordpress.com BB pin: 2BD05A47 Twitter: @abolojesamson Facebook: The WORD for you
Comments