Faith - 2

 The second example was Cain and Abel. Cain was a farmer; Abel was a shepherd. They both offered gifts to God from what they produced.

In Leviticus, the Bible allows for both a grain offering, and an offering of a live stock. But in Hebrews, it says that Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. Since, both type are allowed, it was not the specific material that God judged. Indeed, in Genesis, God warns Cain about the condition of his heart.

It seems like Cain thought he was pretty great. He planted, watered, weeded, and harvested. And he was successful, because of his work. Abel, on the other hand, recognized that he did not have control over his flock's growth. So, Abel's offering was an expression of gratitude. And Cain's was "look how great I am!" So, God was more inclined to Abel, because of his humility. Cain was at the beginning of a downward cycle of sin, selfishness, and violence, that culminated in Noah, and God's judgment.

The writer's comment about faith point to Abel's humility, and dependence on the Father. Faith is, in part, a recognition of the need of humanity, and their dependence on the Father. And it also recognizes God's willingness, and readiness, to give, and meet the needs of his family. And he meets the needs of all people, because the world would fall apart without God's hand maintaining it.

It is good to give thanks for all of God's grace, daily. Thanksgiving is a declaration of our dependence and need. And it is a declaration of God's willingness, and ability, to provide. It does not negate our work. We can still work, but we are not able to bring to completion all that need.