Genesis 4:1-7
Read Genesis 4:1-7
Helpful Background Information:
After Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden (Genesis 3:24) they had children. Two of their children, named Cain and Abel, are introduced at the beginning of Genesis 4 (vv.1-2). First, we’re told Abel was a shepherd and Cain farmed the ground (v.2). In the story, the two brothers embody two radically different attitudes in how they give to God.
When the time came to bring a sacrifice to the LORD, both of the brothers brought their offering. Cain brought some produce from the ground (v.3), while Abel brought some of the firstborn lambs of his flock (v.4). Although both brothers brought their offering, God only accepted Abel’s (v.4b). Without an explicit explanation, readers are initially left to wonder why—why was Abel’s offering pleasing to God but not Cain’s? Clues to answering this question can be found in the descriptions that accompany the respective sacrifices. Abel brought the first and best that he had to the LORD while Cain seems to have brought plain old vegetables. These offerings each reflect the condition of their giver’s heart—either gratitude or the lack thereof.
Since the earliest of times, God has always desired His people to freely and gratefully give Him their first and best offerings. These offerings were to consist of the first-born or first-fruits, because they were the most costly to the giver (Exodus 13:12; Numbers 18:17; Proverbs 3:9). By setting apart their “first-fruits,” the people also learned to trust in the sufficiency of God’s provision. When giving is marked by sacrifice and the giver is motivated by gratitude, God is well-pleased.
Reflection Questions:
What connections do you see between Genesis 4:1-7 and this week’s primary passages, 1 Timothy 6:17-19 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-2? Try to list at least 3 connections.
All along, God has desired the first-fruits of His people. What would it look like to offer God your first-fruits? (the best of your time, money, attention, etc.)
For Christians, giving always requires trust—trust that the remainder of God’s provision will be sufficient. In your experience, what is most difficult about giving? Spend the next minute in prayer, asking God to give you His perspective and attitude in that area.