OUR OFFERING

“Adonai said to Kayin (Cain), ‘Why are you angry? Why so downcast? If you are doing what is good, shouldn’t you hold your head high? And if you don’t do what is good, sin is crouching at the door – it wants you, but you can rule over it.’”
Genesis 4:6-7

The story of Kayin (Cain) and Hevel (Able) is more relevant to us than we may think. The general gist of the story is centered around two offerings. One offering is acceptable to Adonai while the other is not. After an exchange of words, Kayin takes out his frustrations by killing his brother. As a result, Adonai questions Kayin as to where his brother is and Kayin gives the familiar response of, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
While we all know the story and could quote it probably word for word, I think it is important that we take a look at the offerings of the two brothers that they brought before Adonai. Kayin brought before Adonai an offering from the soil, while Hevel brought before Adonai an offering of firstborn sheep, including their fat. Hevel’s offering is recorded as accepted by Adonai while Kayin’s is not. The entire story rests on Kayin’s offering not being worthy of Adonia’s acceptance.
How can we apply this to us? I feel it may not be as hard to find a connection as we think and perhaps all comes down to the offerings in which we ourselves are giving Adonai. Adonai specifically showed Adam and Eve the sacrifices that He desired. I would image that these two passed this lesson on to their children. Yet Kayin still chose to bring the wrong offering. The same can be said of us. We have also been advised by Adonai as to what offering to bring, that of a broken and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Failure to bring Him what He commands puts us also in a place where our offering may not be received.
To state it simply, in my addiction I have learned that the un-meant prayer of forgiveness for being caught does not hold as much weight and value as that of being truly sorry. My words can cheapen it, but my heart should mean it. I encourage you then, to consider the offering you are bringing before Adonai. Is it right and in accordance to His Word and His commands, or is it just words that carry little value and no true heart?

GENESIS 3:22 – 4:26