The Prototype of Thanks
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife had themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’
“And he said, ‘I heard the sound of Thee in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.’ And He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’” Genesis 3:8-11
“And the Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” Genesis 4:21
“So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. And Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.” Genesis 4:3-5
It took me a fair few years to understand why God seemed to be so unfair to Cain! Cain had only done what he knew how to do…to give the best of the works of his hand.
Yet, the shedding the blood of the innocent was set in stone by God’s own example in the Garden. This became God’s prototype (His-ordained pattern that points forward to a greater fulfillment).
Abel’s offering and God’s acceptance can be seen as the first clear act after the Fall of man’s faithful, grateful worship – to give back to God in the way He appointed, versus Cain’s self-directed effort. This reinforces thanksgiving as responsive obedience rather than mere sentiment.
No matter what, I always felt very sorry for God, who had done so much for His children, only to watch them choose what was right in their own eyes. They begrudged the Father His clear warning. And then there was Abel, who saw the importance of obedience and sacrifice offered in love, the example worth following.
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Take care with love, especially His, from Darlene, who still prays for you each day.
PS: You can also find the devotions on line/ on your mobile phone here: www.weakdaydevotion.com .
NOTES: I choose to believe the Bible because it's a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. They reported supernatural events that took place before, of specific prophecies; and claim that their writings are divine rather than human in origin.
The Five Solas: Individuals are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone to the glory of God alone!
Find my full statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of Bible studies). For the books, go to Amazon books. For prayer requests/ updates, email: darlenerichard@gmail.com