An Acceptable Offering to God

¹ Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” ² And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. ³ In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, ⁴ and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, ⁵ but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. ⁶ The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? ⁷ If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:1-7, ESV)

Only three chapters into the book of Genesis the serpent arrived causing sin to rear its ugly head.  He twisted God’s words to Eve and she was tempted to have the knowledge the serpent spoke of.  She was tempted to be like God.  Although the serpent was partially right and she did not physically die, her actions brought spiritual death into this world and not just for her, but also for all mankind.  No matter how much we may try, sin will always spill into the lives of those around us.  And here we see it didn’t take very long down the family line.

This time it wasn’t the serpent that showed up, but a monster of a different kind, the big green eye monster, JEALOUSY!  There I’ve said it!  Cain was angry with God because God did not accept his offering, however God accepted Abel’s (his brother’s) offering.  He was angry with God and jealous of his brother. 

Now of course we know God did not reject his offering according to the type of offering it was.  We know God is not unjust.  God had given Cain the ground to work, therefore Cain should have had an acceptable offering to bring to God from what God had given him.  Abel’s offering came from the firstborn of his flock, which was of great value of what he had.  Abel truly showed his heart and desire to please God by giving God the best of what he had been given.  Obviously Cain did not offer the best of what he could, because God did not accept his offering.  Ultimately it would come down to the matter of the heart.  And right here, we see Cain’s heart revealed. 

God even calls him out on it and gives him another chance. ⁷If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it” (Genesis 4:7).   In other words, He was saying, get a hold of your sin before it gets a hold of you.  And same word still applies to us today just as much as it did to Cain back then.  The Apostle Paul warns us of this in Ephesians, ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and give no opportunity to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27, ESV).  Anger left unattended and un-dealt with gives the devil an opportunity.  Which was exactly what happened with Cain and he killed his brother.  Seriously, did he think by eliminating his brother God would change his mind?  Did he think by taking out the competition (so to say) it would make his offering pleasing to God?

What I find most disturbing in this story was Cain’s coldhearted response to God when He asked him about his brother.  It brings a chilling effect, that Cain has zero regard for the value of life he just killed off.  No wonder why God cautioned him to rule over it.  Realize God did not take lightly Cain killing his brother. 

Back in Genesis 3, the serpent was right when he told Eve that she would gain knowledge of good and evil, but she quickly found out it was a knowledge of evil I’m sure she would have much rather never known.  And Cain followed in those same footsteps, as he said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear” (Genesis 4:13).  God sent him out as a fugitive, yet He still covered him with protection.

I heard a Seminary Professor say, “If you have a problem with me, than you have a problem with my Heavenly Father!”  That was exactly what Cain brought upon himself. 

Jesus addresses the exact issue of anger against one another in Matthew 5.  ²² But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. ²³ So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²³ So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV). 

Anger, the umbrella of our feelings and emotions, usually has an underlying feeling or emotion behind it.  Is there any anger (maybe jealousy, resentment, bitterness) in your life right now that needs to be tended to?  Its desire is contrary to you and maybe it’s time to rule over it.  After all we don’t want to continue to give the devil any opportunity!

Father God, thank you, you did not leave us in sin or leave us as wandering fugitives on this earth.  Through the blood of Jesus we have been washed clean of our sin and brought back into relationship with you.  Jesus you came to give a new life.  Because You, Jesus, have given us the Holy Spirit, we no longer have to walk in the old self of sin, which is corrupt through deceitful desires.  Rather being renewed in the spirit of our minds, we can put on the new self, created after Your likeness, in true righteousness and holiness.  I pray Lord we would put away all falsehood and speak truth with one another.  Lord, show us any area of anger that may be brewing and needs to be dealt with.  By the power of the Holy Spirit would you grant us the strength and honestly to rule over it, leaving no opportunity for the devil!  May you fill us with kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, as in Christ You forgave us.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.  (Ephesians 4:22-32, paraphrase). 

Claiming the Lost

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father” (John 10:14-18, ESV). 

Growing up my mother had a cleaning service and I remember being hired for work at the ripe old of age of about 8 years old.  Realistically I probably started earlier, but it was about then that I actually got paid for my labor.  Around the age of 15, I remember cleaning house for an older couple, probably in their early 60’s.  One day we were cleaning and she was sharing how her and her husband were missionaries for years.  Of course not growing up in a Christian household I had no idea what that even meant.  When I asked her, she began to explain how people would go and share the Gospel with others in other countries (paraphrase).

You know those times when someone is talking and you completely become distracted by a thought, therefore every thing they continue to say just fades out.  Well that’s what happened to me, as I began thinking, oh my goodness missionaries are becoming obsolete!  Realize I was un-churched, I had heard of God but didn’t know Him.  I didn’t know Jesus or the Gospel.  I had no idea about the work of the Holy Spirit or how God called people for His service.  All I knew was the secular point of view and knowing the generation of youth I was growing up with and there was little or no interest in sharing the news about Jesus here in America or anywhere for that matter!

Even with all my lack of knowledge there was an amazing heaviness to that thought.  Looking back now, I can see why that thought made such an impact.  Little did I know in that moment the plans God had for me and there would come a day when I would truly understand. 

Jesus’ entire mission was to come and collect the lost sheep and to gather His one flock.  The Great Shepherd would lay down his life for the lost and bring them home.  To continue His work he gave his disciples the great commission, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15, ESV).  His word will continue to go out until He has gathered all that are His and they are ready for His return.

Currently I have been called to shepherd our youth.  As I survey the struggles this generation of youth faces, I am ever so aware of the wolf trying to snatch and scatter them.  And lately I’m feeling like mama bear being robbed of her cubs.  So this morning I am asking you to join me in prayer for our future generation. 

Thank you Jesus, You came to collect all who belong to You.  You laid down Your life for them that they would have life and life abundant, life eternal.  Lord it is obvious to see the battle we face is not of flesh and blood but against the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil.  There is an enemy at hand who is trying to snatch and scatter your children.  Lord this morning I want to boldly claim your children back from the enemy.  I pray your mercy on them, O God, be merciful to them, may they find refuge in you, in the shadow of your wings may they find refuge until the storms of destruction pass by.  I cry out to You God Most High, to God who fulfills his purposes, would You protect them, keep them secure, and save them (Psalm 57:1-2, paraphrase).

By the blood of Jesus, You did not give them a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control, by the blood of Jesus they can have victory.  (2 Timothy 1:7, paraphrase) Lord I pray against the enemy in their lives, against his lies, his deception, and schemes against them.  In Jesus Name and His authority, I pray against depression, against self-harm, against feelings of unworthiness and insignificance.  I pray Satan be commanded to release his hold on them. Lord may you open their eyes to see the true battle they are facing, would you give them clarity, both spiritually and emotionally.

Although they have wandered and have been scattered, thank you Lord you do not leave them, instead you seek after them and bring them back.  I pray they would hear Your voice, they would hear you calling them home.  May they know and be restored of the joy of salvation in their life.  May You lavish Your love upon them, may they be reminded of Your grace and mercy.  Lord awaken them (body, mind, and spirit) to a saving knowledge of truth, You, Jesus have ransomed Your life so they could be saved!  Lord may they cry out, may Your Holy Spirit within them (the Spirit that bears witness as Your children) cry out, Abba Father! (Romans 8:15-17, paraphrase)

Lord, according to the riches of your glory, may you strengthen them with power through your Spirit in their inner being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith, that they would be rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now to You who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)

Perception is Key

²¹ After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” ²² The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. ²³ One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side, ²⁴ so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. ²⁵ So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:21-25, ESV). 

I remember having a conversation with a friend some months back.  My friend was upset about a family situation. It was still a fresh wound and her emotions showed it.  She shared her frustration and hurt with passion through her body language and facial expressions.  As we stood and talked, I was fully engaged listening as she shared with me.   A little while into our conversation, my peripheral vision kicked in and I started to notice how many other people were walking by us.  Suddenly a thought came to mind; from an outside perspective it probably looked like she was upset with me. 

According to Merriam Webster Dictionary the definition of perception is the way you think about or understand something.   Far to often our perception can be skewed by feelings, personal opinions or viewpoint, lack of knowledge, etc. That was my somewhat my experience with this text years back. 

In the early part of my Christian walk, I had read this portion of Scripture and always thought the Apostle John was arrogant, pompous, or bragging.  Some time later, I was reading over the passage again, and it was like a light bulb went off in my head.   “He wasn’t being pompous, he was secure knowing who he was in Christ! He knew he was the one whom Jesus loved!”  As a new Christian I didn’t understand yet how someone would feel secure knowing they were loved by Jesus.  Therefore, my perception was completely off.  As my journey continued with Jesus, I began to receive His love and my perception started to change. 

Perception is key.  Sure, there is always the concern of the way others may perceive us to be.  However truth told, sometimes it can be our own self-perception that is our worst enemy.  Currently, I ever so strongly realize it is vitally important to align our perception to God’s perception!   As His children we are loved, forgiven, and adopted as His own.  When we see ourselves the way God sees us, we begin to acknowledge we belong to him, receive His love, and live out the life Jesus died to give us. 

Friends, like the Apostle John, Jesus wants you to be secure too!  By the indwelling seed of Christ within in, know you are the one whom Jesus loves!

Jesus, You came so none given to You would be lost.  And so now Lord, I pray for the security of those who are yours.  I pray, my friends would know they are secure in You; they know they are the one whom You love.   

Ruffling Some Feathers

⁶ This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. ⁷ And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. ⁹ But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him (John 8:6-9, ESV). 

Throughout the Gospels the Pharisees and Scribes repeatedly tried to test Jesus.  They often watched him closely waiting for the perfect moment to try and accuse him. In Luke 6:6-11, there was a man with a withered hand in the synagogue.  The scribes and Pharisees watched him closely.  Jesus knowing their thoughts, calling the man forward and standing in front of them asked, “is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?  Looking around at them he healed the man right there.  At that point they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. 

To say the least, Jesus’ response often ruffled their feathers and this situation in John 8 was no different.  They were trying to find something against him.  The scribes and Pharisees present this woman before Jesus while he is teaching in the temple.  She was caught in adultery and according to the Law she should be stoned.  Using a woman here was intentional on their behalf.  Back then women weren’t held in a very high standing at all, actually treated more like property.  They put Jesus on the spot with the question, “so what do you say?”

Judging the response of the people, obviously what Jesus said and wrote in the ground had more of an effect on them then the Pharisees had on Jesus.  Looks like the Pharisees test had failed again.  Starting from the oldest until only Jesus and the woman were left. 

In pondering this text a question arose, how did they leave?

Were some convicted and humbled by their own sin?

Were some awed by Jesus’ response?

Were some angry because Jesus struck a nerve? 

Were some infuriated because Jesus would defend her?

Honestly, when Jesus enters our life he sparks a response in us.  I have cycled through all of the above at some point or another.  There were times Jesus convicted me of sin and my response was humble and receptive.  Hear me I received it humility but it doesn’t mean it was comfortable or easy by any means. There were other times I was awed by what Jesus showed me.  Things I would have never thought of as sin, but they were and I had to deal with it.  Then at times Jesus really struck a nerve and I was not ready to receive it in the moment.  Eventually I had come around because as usual He is always right.  Others times I was angry, like Jonah, that God might be gracious and merciful to someone evil.  I remember when ISIS first started getting out of hand and was praying God would put an end to them.  Yeah I prayed that!  But one night praying, God reminded me of the Apostle Paul. So I prayed, “Okay if one was to turn then save him and wipe out the rest.”  By the end of that prayer, I was reminded I’m not the judge of who receives His grace and mercy.  Praise God He is in control, He has the final say and not us, Amen!

The Pharisees had planned to bring a charge against him, but in return Jesus sparked a response in them.  Unfortunately for them, the upcoming verses show they did not receive it and continued on in their own ways. 

How about you, how do you respond when Jesus ruffles your feathers? 

Lord, with this comes thankfulness, although we may not feel thankful in the moment.  But thank you, you don’t leave us alone.  You love us enough to show us our sin.  We may respond in different ways at different stages of our life.  Although it’s never comfortable, it’s never easy - you know we have to face it.  Lord when sin and stuff surfaces in our lives, I pray you would help us to receive the work you are doing within.  Thank you Lord, Amen.