Genesis 4:3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord.
Cain made an offering to God. It doesn’t say it was his first fruits. It doesn’t say it was his most perfect fruit. Being that it was the first time an offering was ever made to God, it wasn’t a terrible idea. Cain’s heart was right probably. Good intentions.
An offering isn’t for salvation or right standing with God. It’s just a blown kiss to God saying I believe in you. I love you. Thank you for EVERYTHING.
I’m the same way. I am in Nicaragua giving my life in order to take care of the less fortunate as a love offering to God. It’s a sloppy offering, could be a lot better. But it’s the best I can do. It doesn’t save me. I know that I am saved only because Jesus died for my sins, (past, present and future) and I confess Jesus with my mouth and by texting. That’s what saved me.
Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Like Cain, I am offering the best I can, not out of obligation, but of free will. The difference between Cain and I is that I don’t expect anything in return for my offering. I don’t compare my holiness, or lack of, to others. Most missionaries, Pastors and normal Christians do a much better job at living a Christian life, and freewill offerings than I do. I know I am bone weary and old. I really don’t worry about others, nor compete. I just want to be more like Jesus than I was yesterday.
My life offering, sloppy and disorganized as it is, is the best I can do. In fact I am impressed when others are doing offerings well. Old CC Managua is doing great. Other missionaries who started their missions down here with me at the same time are doing a million times better. I am happy for them, and glad for the souls getting saved.
I love seeing others succeed. I’m their cheerleader. I just want to finish well and in a way that pleases God. Hearing my Lord say ‘Well done, Good and faithful servant’ is my only goal. No desire to compete whatsoever. Cain apparently did want to compete. A competitive spirit with others is pride. Competition with yourself is humility.
Genesis 4:4-5 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.
First off. God did not even ask for an offering. It has no bearing on our salvation at all. Until the offering thing, Cain and Abel were equals. Even afterwards! Abel was better at offerings than Cain. So what? Cain should have observed, asked and learned. When my Christian brothers do well I ask them questions. I observe them. I am happy for them. Wasn’t always that way. But as I grow and mature in Christ, the only thing that happens is that I am encouraged by the brethren when they do well. The only things ugly in this world are hate, pride and jealousy. Cain had it all.
Genesis 4:6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?
God just wanted to talk to Cain. He wanted to help him. Cain’s life and his whole bloodline would have been so much better off if he had just calmed down and communicated with the Lord God Almighty. God went on to say,
Genesis 4:7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
Basically God was saying, ‘control yourself! Calm down! Change your attitude.’ The ‘offering’ had absolutely nothing to do with anything. Cain wasn’t in trouble for the offering. He was about to get into big trouble though, for his attitude.
God knew something was wrong when He saw Cain’s reaction. Cain was jealous because Cain was prideful. God knew where Cain was heading. His jealousy, pride and hate led him to murder and banishment.
When you make an offering to God let it be simple. Keep it between you and God. Don’t worry about others. Give your offering humbly, with joy, not letting your right hand know what your left is doing. Praise God with your offering.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.