-April 16, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Tuesday,
“Abel also brought of the first born of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.”
(Genesis 4:4).
Adam and Eve had three sons: Cain, Abel, and Seth. Each one offers us lessons to learn from. Abel was born after Cain. His name was very appropriate, it literally means, “Breath or nothing.” He was murdered at a very young age by his older brother Cain.
Though he lived such a short time on this earth, his testimony demonstrated his faith in God and his obedience to the commands of the Lord. He is the first person of faith mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, the “Hall of Faith.”
Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.” To me, it is one of the most amazing statements in Scripture, “he being dead still speaks.”
In what way does Abel still speak today? He offered the right sacrifice according to God’s Word. It was an animal sacrifice with its fat. It was a more excellent offering than Cain’s. Abel offered his sacrifice to God in God’s way; Cain offered his sacrifice his own way, by his own efforts. The fruits of his own work and effort amounted to nothing in God’s sight. The Scripture teaches us that, “…without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.
Abel’s offering was a blood sacrifice that pointed forward to Christ who as the Lamb of God who gave His life and shed His blood for us on the cross. There is still only one way to be forgiven and have eternal life: by grace through faith in Christ.
Abel’s life was like a breath, nothing in the eyes of the world. Yet, in God’s eyes it had meaning, consequence, and impact. He left a legacy. May our lives, whether short or long, have a powerful impact on others for Christ.
Have a blessed day showing others the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Stay safe and healthy.
How would God describe your life? Does it speak to people for Christ?
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 