"Hebrews 11 Series - Abel"

 

Hebrews 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."

     Abel demonstrated his love for GOD and unswerving devotion to HIM by offering the blood sacrifice from his own flock of animals, an offering that GOD accepted (Genesis 4:4 pictured above). On the other hand, the LORD refused Cain's offering, and this led to the murder of Abel, his brother. In today's text, the SPIRIT of GOD emphasizes Abel's determination to obey the LORD; through this legacy, he is yet able to communicate what it means to walk by faith -- namely, to walk in obedience to the LORD. The sacrifice was not what justified Abel; rather, his justification was through faith alone in the true and living GOD. Abel's offering merely expressed his faith in GOD. Because of his willing obedience, Abel remains as a "witness" or example of those who live by faith, not sight. He believed, so he gave a sacrifice that the LORD regarded as "excellent." And since it was accepted by GOD, this revealed to all that Abel was a justified man -- he had a righteous standing before the LORD. He serves as a wonderful illustration of what it means to worship the LORD "by faith" and exemplifies what a life of faith truly entails.

     The Christian walk does not consist of merely following a set of rules and regulations. It is a life of joyfully obeying what GOD commands and a willingness to show our love for the LORD through submission to HIS WORD. Faithful service is not something we strive to do in order to appease an angry deity who is never satisfied. When we understand the ramifications of sin and the price paid to save us from those consequences, we will want to be like righteous Abel -- eager and willing to obey our LORD, regardless of the response of others, including those who are the closest to us. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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