Hope for Today: A Daily Devotion from Reasons for Hope*Jesus
“And the LORD respected Abel and his offering — but He did not respect Cain and his offering.” Genesis 4:4-5
Here are two brothers bringing each of them an oblation to the Lord. Cain, as a farmer, brought of the produce of the ground which he cultivated; Abel, as a shepherd, some of the firstlings of his flock, with the fat of them. Consequently, both believed there was a God who made the world and was to be worshiped; and yet one was accepted, and the other rejected.
Cain’s sacrifice was wholly a thank-offering to God, for the blessings of His providence. Abel’s was not only of a thank-offering — but of the expiatory kind. While it was an expression of gratitude for the blessings of Providence, it was also typical of the atonement by Christ and expressive of his hope of redemption through Him.
In the offering of Cain, there is no confession of guilt or reference to the promised Redeemer. In that of Abel, there is both repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus God had respect to him [Abel] and his offering. [God] accepted first his person, as justified, then his offering. But neither the person nor the offering of Cain found acceptance with God.
Reader, mark the difference; by this Abel speaks to you. Are you in a state of acceptance with God, by faith in Jesus? Is your whole dependence, for pardon and life, on Christ crucified? Do you obey from a principle of love? Then you shall be blessed with righteous Abel here and forever.
Devotion by Karl Heinrich von Bogatzky (1690—1774)
Read more Hope for Today Devotions
If our resources have blessed you, please consider supporting our ministry work. Make a $60.00 (or more) donation, and you will receive our newest book, "MISINTERPRETED." The book explores misunderstood and misapplied Bible verses and passages. Thank you for any support you can give!
*******
Do You Know Jesus?
The Bible clearly states that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It also emphasizes that while the wages of sin is death, God offers us the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, know that today is the day of salvation (Acts 28). Turn away from your sinful past and turn to Jesus. Remember, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t wait—find hope and redemption!
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
In Case You Missed It:
Top Ten "Got Questions" in 2024
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
- Jesus’ Last Days TIMELINE: the Cross and the Resurrection
- What are the FOUR Different PRESENTATIONS of Jesus in the Gospels?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
2024's Top Ten "Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses"
There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- THE COMING PRINCE, by Sir Robert Anderson, 1894
- What's the Story Behind "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood by William Cowper
- "Immanuel" -- A Poem by Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
- Prayers from Billy Graham
- “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman (1917)
- Who Was Robert Robinson? What’s the Story Behind “Come Thou Fount”
- 24 Reasons Why I Love America, by John Wayne (1907-1979)
- The Hound of Heaven, a poem by Francis Thompson (1859–1907)
- 40 Quotes from Frederick Buechner (1926-2022)
This remains one of our most popular pages viewed.
2024's TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, performed by Casting Crowns
*****************