For help with the questions on day 1 let’s dive deeper into the term “an offering to the Lord” (vs.3)
The Hebrew word minchach used here for offering is a gift or present, given out of freewill.
Have you ever received a re-gifted gift? Or given one? A re-gifted gift usually is given because the giver forgot to purchase a gift or because they have been given a gift they don’t really want and passing it along seems like a good option. Undoubtedly, a re-gifted gift does not scream “You are important to me and I scoured the earth to bestow upon you this greatness.”
I attended a Christmas celebration one year and as we drew numbers and one by one went to select a gift from the table, a friend of mine opened her gift. While part of the gift was newly purchased, one item, a Santa figurine was clearly past its prime. His face was dirty and his hair and beard were coming detached from his body! We giggled, but I thought to myself why had the gift giver included such a strange addition to the gift basket? I can say without a doubt the giver of this gift did not take the time to consider who would receive this gift. There were definitely no sentimental feelings attached to this sad Santa.
Personally I’ve always struggled with giving gifts. I worry and freight over making the right selection. I always want to make the recipient of the gift feel loved and celebrated. Special. I love to see the reaction of the person opening the gift. Gift giving should be about the recipient not the gift itself. I’m sure you would agree with me that receiving small, handmade gifts from our children makes us feel more loved and adored than some of the pricey ones we’ve received.
Read Genesis 4:3-4 in the NLT
What are the differences in Cain and Abel’s offerings?
JOURNAL PROMPT:
Think about the sweetest gifts you’ve ever been given. Was it actually the gift or the giver that made the gift priceless to you? Maybe it wasn’t even a tangible gift. Was it someones time? A letter or card?
God is the King of the World, He needs nothing from His people. He is self sustaining and lacks nothing. What kind of offering or gift can you give to Someone so special?
Pray and thank God for being a great example. He is the best Gift Giver. Ask Him to show you areas in your life that you need to give like Him and to Him!
Comment below and tell us the most precious gift you’ve ever received!
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
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