What's Wrong with Veggies?

Cain offered vegetables Abel gave meat. God favored the latter over the former. So, does God not like veggies?

When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to

the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from

his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his

gift. - Genesis 4:3-5

It looks like God just preferred meat over veggies. I would too. But verse 7 offers a clue to what was boiling underneath the calm surface of Cain's offering.

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right,

then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must

subdue it and be its master. - Genesis 4:7

Sin had been lingering at the door of Cain's heart. The Bible does not indicate if this started before, during, or after the offering. But God was pretty straightforward about it with Cain. If God pointed it out, it's worth noting.

You see, God sees beyond the offering. He prizes more the heart behind the sacrifice than the sacrifice itself. Actions are empty when the heart does not line up with it. It's nothing more than a ritual, nothing more than a service void of love.

#offerings #vegetables #sin #heartcondition