SIMPLE GIFTS

God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. 

2 Corinthians 9:7

Abel carried the perfect lamb he had chosen toward the altar near the gate of Eden. Even in the bright light of the setting sun, he could see the flashing of the sword of the angel who guarded the gate. It was nearly time for another Sabbath sacrifice. The lamb in his arms bleated, and he looked down at it and spoke a gentle word.

It always made him sad to think of the sacrifice. He was pretty sure it was supposed to make a person sad to think of it. Abel knew his mother and father were terribly sad when they remembered the choices they had made. Adam had explained how God told him that the innocent lamb, who hadn’t done anything wrong, represented the Redeemer God would send, who also would not do anything wrong, but would die for sinful humans anyway.

Abel couldn’t say he really understood it all completely. But he accepted it. It was God, and Abel trusted God. After all, hadn’t God forgiven his parents for the wrong they had done? Hadn’t He promised a Redeemer even though they didn’t feel they deserved it? If Abel could keep the memory of the promise alive by offering the best of his flock, then he was willing to do that.

Abel looked toward his brother, Cain, also heading toward the altar. He didn’t worry and brood over things as Cain did. Cain was always complaining, always questioning and arguing. Look at him tonight—a basket of fruit and vegetables? Why would he bring that?

Abel brought his attention back to his own sacrifice. He lifted his eyes to heaven and prayed silently, “I am Your simple child, God. What You want me to do, that’s what I want to do. My sacrifices are small, and not worthy of Your regard, but they are my best, and I offer them with love. Please accept them, and please accept me.”

Today, God does not ask us to give Him burnt offerings. He has provided the Lamb for every human being who ever lived. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are sufficient for every sin ever committed. What God asks today is that we accept that gift on our behalf. It’s as simple—simpler!—than the sacrifices Adam, Eve, and Abel brought. Then He asks us to give ourselves—our gifts, our talents, our interests, our hard work. It’s hard, but it’s not complicated. It’s very simple.

Creator of every good and perfect gift, I am Your simple child. What You want me to do, that’s what I want to do. My sacrifices are small, and not worthy of Your regard, but they are my best, and I offer them with love. Please accept them, and please accept me.