Abel
Hebrews 11:4 By
faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he
obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts,
and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.
Why is it that when we read the story
of Cain and Abel, our focus is on what Cain did?
We do need to look at what Cain
did and understand that what he did was wrong. It is interesting that even when
we refer to the story we say, “Cain and Abel”, we don’t mention Abel without
first saying Cain.
When I read this scripture in
Hebrews, I want to shine a light on what Abel did because God testified about
his gifts. It also says that Abel still speaks so there is something in his
story that will speak to us even today.
The first children born on this
earth can tell us about our humanity in the decision to place our trust in God or
trusting in other sources. I believe that this is a fundamental truth that will
define our walk in this life on earth.
When you look at the life of Abel,
he placed a priority on His relationship with God in that he offered the firstlings
of his flock and their fat portions. (Genesis 4:4)
What does that mean? The flock was
their livelihood and the first born of the flock would be considered extremely
important and celebrated since the gestation period of sheep would have been
approximately five months. In the business world you would look at growing your
flock so every birth would be important to your future but the first would be
the most important, they are the beginning.
I also want to look at the fact that
Abel’s parents were Adam and Eve. He would have been told the story of what happened
in the garden and the curse that his parents, including him and his brother,
now lived under because of what they did. The ground was cursed because of them,
and they would have to toil (labor or pain) to produce from it. Thorns and thistles
would come up from it, meaning that there would be less for their livestock to
eat. (Genesis 3:17-19)
When you look at the circumstances
surrounding Abel, it is easy to see that he had a choice to make. Am I going to
look at the future of my flock, the curse that my family lives under, or my own
abilities? Or am I going to look to and celebrate my God. He may have been told
not to depend on God for anything, but he chose to offer up the very first of
what he thought to be important in his and his family’s life.
God looks upon the heart, so we
are not talking about actions here. Abel’s actions represented what was in his
heart.
Trust, how can we trust what we
don’t know. Apparently, Abel knew deep down that God is good or why would he
make this offering.
Today may be a day that we need to
make a choice to tune out all the things that would negatively affect our opinion
of what God will or will not do for us. To make a choice that a relationship
with God, seeking His presence in my life, is the only way to get to know His
heart for us.
I want God to testify of my gifts!
I am not wanting any recognition but just knowing that God knows my heart is
for Him.
RelianceOnGrace.com
