As most of you know, this year for Lent I've decided to write a weekly Encouraging Word and I'll say that it was much more challenging than what I originally anticipated. I hope you all find some wisdom, love or encouragement through these messages; this process has allowed me to spend more time in the presence of God and I pray that if nothing else it will allow the same for you. This being my very first time doing anything of this nature made it difficult to know where exactly to begin, so I decided to start in Genesis and make my way from there. I didn’t expect to find much as far as inspiration, but what I did find was the humbling story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. Most are familiar with the story of these two brothers, but if you’re not I encourage you to read it and then reflect upon this.
Let us first review the character of these two brothers. Cain is self-righteous, selfish and half-hearted; all the while his brother can be simply described as faithful and willing, but what about the character of God? What is God like? In this short classic story we’re given the exact nature of God. Read Genesis 4:3-5; though both brothers brought offerings to the Lord, God was only pleased with Abel. The issue of a blood sacrifice is essential for the right standing with God, because after Adam and Eve ate the fruit, God had to sacrifice animals to produce coverings for them and therefore hints that a blood sacrifice is a means for covering sin. Cain didn’t learn the lessons of his parents and therefore offers a vegetable sacrifice, the fruit of his own efforts; Abel’s offering however was of something provided by God and not the result of his own efforts, it expresses trust in God’s goodness.
The truth of it is that we must come to Him based upon faith, knowing that the blood of Jesus was enough rather than trying to “earn” His love and grace through our own good deeds and efforts. Abel and Cain’s offerings represent the two different ways we can come to God, either through faith in what Jesus Christ has done for us or on the basis of our own good works. Cain’s approach implies such self-righteousness, that he truly believed in saving himself though his own ideas instead of through the promises of God. How many times have you found yourself questioning God, His intentions or even His plan in your life? Have you turned away from Him completely or maybe just put a safe distance in between God and your life, thinking you can fair without Him? Remember that even in the moments you feel farthest from Him, in moments of your darkest most self-righteous ways of thinking, God is never far from you. You don't have to earn His love, you don't have to be good enough, because none of us are, we all live in sin, we're imperfect, but God loves us, despite us; not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is. Let your faith stir up action -- remember, it is how we come to God and our attitude of worship and prayer that makes our offerings and lives pleasing and acceptable to Him. Stop worrying about the imaginary checklist that you believe puts you in right standing with God, and start considering the state of your faith and the true motivation of your heart.
Blessings to All,
Kelci
