David: God's own heart Chapter 11 King Saul - Buying God's Favor

 

Buying God's Favor

Can a man buy God's favor?

After Adam and Eve were cast out of Eden, the story of their sons—Abel and Cain—provides a profound lesson on what truly pleases God. Abel brought an offering from the best of his flock, while Cain presented produce from the land.

In this story, God’s character is revealed. He was pleased with Abel’s offering—a spotless animal from the firstborn of his flock—rather than Cain’s harvest of fruits and vegetables. Between the two, God favored Abel. Cain, devastated by this, allowed jealousy to consume him, ultimately killing his brother. Despite this grave act, God marked Cain for protection and did not immediately condemn him to death. Yet through Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, God continued His plan of redemption, replacing what was lost.

Cain failed to understand his brother’s heart toward God. God's favor does not rest on the physical value of an offering, but on the heart behind it. Abel’s sacrifice wasn’t just about giving something valuable—it was about giving the most treasured and cherished part of his possession. He gave the best and kept none for himself, showing complete surrender and reverence.

This principle echoes in the story of Abraham. When God tested Abraham’s faith, He asked for Isaac—his long-awaited, beloved son—as a sacrifice. Abraham had waited a hundred years for this promised child, and now he was asked to give him up as a living burnt offering. Imagine the weight of that moment: the confusion, the sorrow, the test of trust.

But God never intended for Isaac to die. Instead, He provided a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute. This moment signified an important truth: God does not desire human sacrifice. He knows our hearts before we even worship. What pleases God is not the material offering itself, but the heart of worship behind it—the love, faith, and obedience.

So, returning to King Saul—what was the condition of his heart before he offered his sacrifice to God? You can't know. You must know.

AC