Theme Scripture

Hebrews 11: 4

“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”.

* Note the emphasis placed on “God testifying of his gifts” in the scripture quoted above.

The Lesson/ Exposition

Oftentimes we give great testimonies of God’s deliverance, His divine provision, healing, love, goodness, faithfulness, etc. We stand amazed at the awesome things God does for us and gives to us – from each breath we take to the battles He fights for us; indeed God gives us so much!

Can God however testify about what we, His children give to Him? Specifically, can He testify about our gifts or sacrifices to Him? When God decides to give to us, or when He decides to move in our favour, He does not hold back – He pours it out on us; no holds barred!

When we His children on the other hand have to give to Him, what we give is influenced by so many factors such as the debts we have to pay, the various commitments we have, considerations on whether or not the church deserves it, the bills pending, the list is endless. 

We find in the Bible however, a man called Abel, who was so sacrificial in his giving. We find a man who understood that the walk with God was not a carnal one but a walk of faith. We find a man called Abel, who appreciated that he was giving back to a God who gave him everything he had – we see a man who was bent on pleasing the Most High God. 

In the same Bible, we also find a man called Cain who was carnally minded. One who was led by the flesh and external factors. Cain decided to use logic to select from his harvest what he believed God deserved.

Sadly, a lot of Christians fall in Cain’s category. We consider so many factors and end up giving what we feel is enough for God. This mindset is so flawed! If you think you are giving to the Church, which in your mind may be going to a man, then you have missed it! The Church is a representation of God or His house for us Christians. It is the heart with which you give and your motive that matters. If for some reason whoever is in charge of the finances squanders the money, he would no doubt have to give an account of every pesewa/penny to God one day. 

So when giving to God, we must be conscious of who we are giving to – we are giving to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:4 that Abel gave by faith and therefore gave a better sacrifice than Cain and that is what got him his commendation from God. Faith should inform our giving.

An appreciation of who God is, or who you are giving to can fuel your faith to give according to the standard of God. For the Bible says in Hebrews 11:6 that “without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must come believing that He is  and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. In giving to God, be conscious of the fact that HE IS!

Hebrews 11:4 tells us that by faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice through which he obtained the testimony from God that he was righteous. His sacrifice also  made God testify about his gift. God was so proud of Abel’s gift that he gave a testimony of the gift. Isn’t that amazing! Let that be you in 2022.

Raise the standard of your giving to God’s standard. I feel it in my spirit that in 2022, we are going to have to be like Abel – very sacrificial, because God is looking to commend His children who give according to His standard. It does not have to be just money. It can also be your time, your commitment to your work in God’s House, your talent, etc. So give by faith and receive a commendation from God!!

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I thank you for all the many things you do for me and give to me. Lord, in 2022, I want  to give according to your standard. Give me a sacrificial heart; let my faith come alive so I can please you with my gifts and sacrifices. In Jesus’ mighty name. AMEN!