Excellent Sacrifice
This photo was taken in Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, England. One of the animal enclosures housed these sheep as one of many animals in the park.
In YPG, Pastor Mitch taught from Hebrews 11 and the heroes of faith who were mentioned therein. One example is Abel. Hebrews 11:4 reads:
“By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.”
Abel was a keeper of sheep while Cain was a farmer. Abel gave the firstborn of his flock and Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground. God only accepted Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s offering. This was because Cain did not have faith, but Abel had. 1 John 3:12 reads:
“Not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.”
The problem with Cain was really his life. In 1 John 3:12, it explains that Cain was of the evil one, with evil works. He led a sinful life. Pastor Mitch taught that it was out of Abel’s life and faith in God that had led him to give of his best, and he challenged each one in YPG to indeed give of our best – in offering, and in worship – through walking right with God first of all.
Personally, I recognise the need to lead a life of faith and righteousness first of all. If not, I would never be able to give anything significantly, even if outwardly it seems so. I think back on moments where I have given poor sacrifices to God, and was duly chastised for them. Thank God for grace and mercy in correction and forgiveness.
I am challenged to always walk right with Him in life. I am challenged to be conscious of who I am serving – our Almighty God, who has given us salvation through Jesus Christ. It is only right that the praise, worship and service rendered to Him is of the most excellent quality!
May you also ponder carefully the worship and service that you have been giving so far, and also be challenged to always offer them in the same spirit as Abel.
Written by Jerry Chan