Day 327, Year 1

Abel’s Faith

“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.” (Hebrews 11:4 NASB)

God said to Cain, Abel’s brother, “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?” (Genesis 4:7a NASB) The word “lift up” in Hebrew se’eth also means “dignify, raise, exalt, uprising, or accept.” This seems to refer to Cain’s daily words and deeds, which were not approved by God. So, even if he offered a sacrifice, God did not lift him up. Conversely, Abel offered the best sacrifice to God and received a testimony of righteousness. The word “testimony” in today’s verse, martureo in Greek, refers to God testifying to Abel’s righteousness. What God values is not only our momentary faith or prayers, but our daily mannerisms. Probably, Cain forgot God in his daily life. So, he was not accepted by God even though he offered a sacrifice to Him. Hence, if we seldom do His will in our lives, regardless of how we offer sacrifices or prayers, He will not appreciate us.

In Abel’s life, the relationship between faith and righteous living is established. “Abel, on his part, also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering.” (Genesis 4:4 NASB) Abel offered his first and best animal sacrifice to God to honor Him. Thus, he was delighted in him. He was dignified and lifted up by God. Similarly, there is a best part of faith and living in our lives that we offer to God wholeheartedly, including Bible reading, prayer, tithing, participation in gathering, etc. And it is equally significant that we make the very best effort to make every decision according to God’s will as He leads. This is the faith that God desires. Although we usually can’t see God, we live as if we see Him. So, when God accepts us, He answers our prayers.

At the end of today’s verse goes, “through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.” The faithful Abel was killed, becoming the first victim of murder, but as Jesus said, God will surely vindicate him (Matthew 23:35). The Book of Hebrews encourages us that believers in the world shall have suffering. But if we endure, the faith approved by God is about to overcome wickedness. Abel speaks to us: Faith must be accompanied by sacrifice and offering the best to God. To live an acceptable life for Him, our daily lives must be in line with God’s righteousness. Despite the wickedness and lawlessness prevailing for a while, God will vindicate us so that we will enjoy eternal life with endless joy.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you habitually making decisions based on what God sees as good? If not, what difficulties are you encountering, and how can you overcome them with His help?

2) Do you always give the best to God in your offerings to Him, including Bible reading, prayer, tithing, and participation in gathering, etc.?