WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
Hebrews 11:4 (NLT)
WORSHIP BY FAITH
In His book, “Experience God in Worship,” Christian Author George Barna says that the main reason millions of people in America go to church every week is not to worship God, but is instead to have a pleasing experience. He goes on to say that “most Americans go to church to satisfy or please themselves, not to honor or please God.” Amazingly, few of the people that Barna’s research team interviewed said that worship is something that they do primarily for God. Instead a much larger percentage of those who attend worship services on a regular basis claim that they do so for personal benefit and pleasure. This is something that has got to change. We must forget about ourselves and concentrate on Him! He must be the primary focus of our worship. (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).
We don’t have any words of Abel recorded in Scripture but Hebrews 11:4 says his worship still speaks today. Some say Cain killed Abel over a difference in worship styles. We learn Abel made a worship sacrifice by faith and it was better than Cain’s offering on his own terms. Both of their sacrifices were good and had a place in the sacrificial system. Abel gave what God wanted, but Cain gave what he wanted. Biblical faith never rests on manmade ideas, or on vague speculations. It rests on the revealed word of God. Abel, by faith, had obeyed God’s command. Cain refused to submit to it. Abel’s faith pleased God; Cain’s disobedience displeased God. Abel’s faith was counted as righteousness.
REFLECTION
It has been said that salvation by faith alone is the teaching by which the church and the individual stands or falls. Why is this so? Some say that we are saved by faith plus good works. How is this different from saying that saving faith results in good works?
PRAISE
Praise God for his attributes that make Him worthy of worship. Ask God how He wants you to worship Him.
