Genesis 4:4 “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering:”
When Abel approached the Lord, he brought the firstborn of his sheep, and “of the fat thereof.” What is the significance of the fat? In Hebrew the phrase is min cheleb (kheh’-leb,) which means of the best or choicest of the flock. Like Cain, Abel brought his first and best before the Lord. Like his brother, he had to depend on God to give life and make his offering grow and flourish, while also working hard in cooperation with divine power to raise, protect and nourish it. But none of these facts, positive though they are, account for God’s acceptance of Abel and his offering. God “had respect unto Abel and to his offering” because Abel had respect unto God and His instructions. Or as God explains the principle elsewhere, “them that honour me will I honour” (1 Samuel 2:30). Abel properly left human innovation and rationalization out of the salvation question. He trusted and respected God enough to follow His exact specifications.
God had asked for a lamb. The inspired commentary on this story says that it was by faith that Abel brought “a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts” (Hebrews 11:4). Thus the proof is conclusive: God’s testimony, his prophetic Word spoke of the Lamb. Abel was full of faith in that Word, therefore he was faithful, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
Do you want God to testify in your favor when your case comes up in the judgment? Cultivate faith in the Lamb, and you will find grace to do 100% of what He says. Don’t settle for anything less.
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