Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 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, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. – Genesis 4:1-5
Choosing Abel over Cain subverts the eldest’s birthright and establishes the LORD’s sovereign choice which, perhaps inevitably, aroused Cain’s anger. People have a long history of making sacrifices. However, the LORD takes no pleasure in sacrifice; His favour cannot be earned. Instead the LORD is interested in the attitude of our hearts:
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. – Psalm 51:16-17
Father, You know our hearts and minds completely. Make us broken-hearted before You on account of our shortcomings. May we not be angered or crestfallen over whom You choose. Have regard for us on the basis of Your Son’s perfect sacrifice.
Sparks 