Genesis 4:4-5

“Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.”

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard (sha`ah: respect) for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering (minchah: present, gift, sacrifice, tribute) He had no regard. So Cain became very angry (charah: wrot, displeased, burning, incensed) and his countenance fell.”

SUMMARY
Abel, on his part also brought of the firstfruits of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard and respect for Abel and his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard or respect. So Cain became incensed with burning anger and his countenance fell.

MEDITATION

Believers all over the world “bring offerings” when they gather. (It’s generally all monetary but we won’t get into that today.) The matter at hand in today’s verses allows us to see deep into the desires of the Father. Although Cain and Abel both brought offerings that God had previously approved of, one was deemed greater. Why? Why did God seemingly show preferential treatment to one over the other? What we must understand is that God sees the heart condition of the bringer of the offering. God’s rejection of Cain’s sacrifice presented an opportunity to reveal his hateful heart. The issue was not as much what the offering was as it was about the motive behind the presenting of it.

We have the same challenge before us today. In services throughout this nation and beyond many will write large checks and give seemingly honorable gifts to the Lord. Perhaps you will do the same. As we see in many biblical accounts and parables (such as the widow’s mite for example) one’s offering generally has little to nothing to do with it being deemed pleasing. Of course we need to know what God deems acceptable but above all else, our heart must be found pure and pleasing as we bring our best before Him. Today, what is your motive for giving to the Lord? To receive blessing? To simply be reluctantly and grievously obedient? I encourage you to sit quietly and examine your heart’s condition in regards to bringing your offering to the Lord. It’s you that God wants above all else, not your time and money. 

Related articles: http://desh412.blogspot.com/2009/05/pleasing-and-acceptable-allowing-word_21.html