The Eighth of March.ABLE AND HIS BLOOD OFFERING --- Genesis 4:4, 5."And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and his offering he had not respect." --- Genesis 4:4, 5. Here are two brothers, bringing each of them an oblation to the Lord. Cain, as an husbandman, brought of the produce of the ground he cultivated; Abel, as a shepherd, some of the firstlings of his flock, with the fat of them; consequently, both believed that there was a God that made the world, and was to be worshipped; and yet one was accepted, and the other rejected. Cain's sacrifice was wholly eucharistical, or a thank-offering to God, for the blessings of his providence. Abel's was not only of the eucharist, but of the expiatory kind; and while it was an expression of gratitude for the blessings of Providence, it was typical of the offering of Christ, and expressive of his hope of redemption through him; but what made the chief difference between them was, that Cain presented his offering while his heart was withheld, and without faith in Christ; so was of the wicked one. Abel brought both his person and sacrifice, an offering to the Lord: he presented his oblation, and performed the other parts of worship, with faith in God, and the promised Saviour, and with sincerity, humility, and love. Thus God has respect to him and his offering; accepted first his person as justified, then his offering; but neither the person nor offering of Cain found acceptance with God. Reader, mark the difference; by this, Abel speaks to thee; art thou in a state of acceptance with God by faith in Jesus? Is thy whole dependence for pardon and life on Christ crucified? Dost thou obey from a principle of love? Then thou shalt be blessed with righteous Abel here and for ever. Thank-offerings paid to God |