ABEL

 

 

          We read very little about Abel, the second son of Adam.  Abel lived a very short time in the beginning of the human race. Yet, he displayed uncommon qualities that could not be found even in an advanced and civilized society. A mere reading of the portions concerning him thrills every reader. In the next few paragraphs, I made an attempt to highlight some of the extra-ordinary qualities of Abel.

          Cain and his brother Abel were born to Adam and Eve after the fall, following the curse. As the older son Cain grew, he chose to follow his Dad's occupation, he became a farmer. Abel became a keeper of the flocks, a shepherd. As adults, these two Young men, brought their offerings to the Lord. Cain brought as his offering, "some of the fruits of the soil". Abel brought "fat  portions from some of the first born of his flock". (Genesis 4/3-4). Lord accepted Abel's offering, but rejected Cain's . Cain became very angry. He was basically a farmer. He could bring only farm products. He could not bring animals as Abel did. That apart, it has not been mentioned anywhere that Cain brought sub-standard and secondary products. Then, what made the Lord to reject his offerings? This is the centre point of this article. Please go through the next paragraph carefully.

          God himself answers. He said to Cain, "If  you do what is right, will you not be accepted?". What does it mean? He tells Cain that if he had done the right thing, He would have certainly accepted his offerings. In other words, if a person does what is right in the eyes of the Lord, his offerings would be accepted. This is the principle / logic behind Lord's argument.  Consequently, what is offered is not a matter at all. The Lord looks at the life of the person who brings the offerings. The writer of Hebrews, while mentioning  about Abel's offering, obviously refers to his faithful and holy life (Hebrew 11/4). (His intention was not to appreciate the quality and content of the offering, Therefore, he included Abel's name in the list of great believers.) Jesus also calls him as, "righteous Abel" (Mathew 23/35). Therefore, the Bible clearly tells that the "Lord accepted Abel and his offerings and rejected Cain and his offerings" (Genesis 4/4-5). The emphasis is very clear. The person who brings the offering should be accepted first. When he is acceptable, his offerings would be accepted. Otherwise, a big No. Abel lived a life that was pleasing to the Lord. It is evident that Cain did not. Over this conflict, Cain killed Abel.  He was only able to remove Abel from the earth. He could not destroy his witness. Therefore, it is clearly written that "Abel still speaks, even though he is dead" (Heb 11/4).

          What is our witness?

 

Joseph Stephen

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