Genesis- Oh Brother

Tuesday, August 25th

This week, as we look at the passage we are looking at what MUST get our attention. We want to be drawn towards what got God’s attention.

The first element that got God’s attention, that should get our attention is the favored intention. Unfortunately, I’m not a huge fan of this summary, unfortunately I didn’t take enough time to wordsmith it better. But my hope is that by the end of our time you will be able to see in these verses, that favor and intention matter.

Read Genesis 4:2b-5- Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Let’s briefly look at the offering. Remember, giving an offering to the “gods” was common place in the day. People gave offerings all the time to the sun god, moon god, prosperity god, rain god. It was so they would be in “good” standing with the gods. Specifically, this word offering is minah which is a gift to honor deity and usually given in a context of celebration. It can be grain or an animal. According to Leviticus 2, both of these gifts are legitimate offerings in celebration or praise of God.

But again, our focus is on intention. Intention is heart thing. How many times do you see someone go through the motions because what, “their heart isn’t in in.” Or they have different intentions.

There are two clues to see that Cain’s intentions were off. First look at the description of the offerings. Cain brought “some” fruits. Anything special about it? Nope, he just brought something to offer to God to celebrate him, to honor him. “God, here you go”…..

What was Abel’s offering? Abel brought from the firstborn, he didn’t keep for himself, he gave what came first and he gave the best portions, he gave the fat portions. He gave the best of the best to celebrate, honor God.

Two brothers. Two offerings. One God. Intention to celebrate God, Cain brought leftovers and Abel brought the best of the best.

God is not impressed by the performance of generosity; he is moved by the intention behind it. Before you bring anything to God today, whether your time, your worship, your resources, or your attention, pause and examine the condition of your heart. Are you giving God your leftovers or your first and best?

Reflection Question: In what area of your life are you offering God "some" when he deserves your best?

Practical Application: Identify one specific way you can give God your first fruits this week, whether in your schedule, your finances, or your attention in prayer.