In Second Chronicles, chapter twenty-four, verse fourteen, offerings were made to God after the sin of Adam and Eve in Genesis four, verses three through four. Since then, various offerings have become common so that God’s people might understand the seriousness of sin and the significance of worshipping God. In addition to the burnt offerings mentioned here in Leviticus one, verses three to seventeen, God required sin offerings, as in Leviticus four, verses three through twenty-one, trespass offerings, as in Leviticus five, verses six through nineteen, and peace offerings, as in Leviticus three, one through seventeen, respectively.
The significant element in offering to God was a sincere heart that brought the best one possessed. However, in the book of Malachi, God rebuked the people because they were offering sick and flawed animals, as in Malachi one, verses six through fourteen. Today, Christians expect the best from God, yet most fail to bring their best to Him. The Lord knows the heart of His people and those who give their best. Brothers Cain and Abel are examples of one offering their best while the other gave something less.
Joash is more zealous about the repair of the temple than Jehoiada himself. It is easier to build temples than to be temples to God. But repairing places for public worship is a good job, which all should promote. And many a good work would be done that now lies undone if active men would put it forward. The difference between God and His followers is He gives the best to His people because He loves them.
On the other hand, does the believer do the same as giving their best to God in return? Do we offer our best to God in praise, worship, and devotion, as Abel? Or do we present the way that Cain did?