Abel - A Man of Worship

Abel compiled some unique "firsts" in his short lifetime: member of the first family, first little brother, first rancher. Other "firsts" were more tragic than unique: part of the first sibling rivalry, first to do something better than his big brother, first to die at his brother's hand.

While these facts make Abel interesting, they are not the way in which he chose wisely. Abel invented worship. Because his parents Adam and Eve had turned away from God, Abel had to think up some way to approach God. Apparently Cain and Abel talked it over and both decided to offer God a sacrifice. Cain the farmer brought "an offering of the fruit of the ground." (Gen. 4:3); Abel brought the best he had. He took "the firstborn of his flock" (Gen. 4:4) and created a fat sacrifice. God accepted the attitude of Abel's worship. Jesus later called him righteous.

It doesn't seem as if Abel suspected his brother's intense jealousy and anger. He followed Cain out into a field where the older killed the younger. Though it ended unfairly and too soon, Abel's life left a legacy of faith. When the writer of Hebrews listed the Hall of Faith in the New Testament, the first inductee was Abel: "By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice" (Heb. 11:4).

If you tend to get competitive with your friends and coworkers, here's a warning: Don't try to make yourself look better by vying against them. That wasn't Abel's choice. There's enough natural competition between people as it is. The question you can answer like Abel is, "How will I approach God?"

Cain and Abel "attended church" together, but their attitudes were miles apart. One was there; the other was all there. Clarifying and participating in your relationship with God, not just going through the motions, will be an important decision in your life.

You can read about Abel's life in: Genesis 4:1-8; Matthew 23:35; Hebrews 11:4, 12:24.