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Abel's Profile Abel was the second child born into the world, but the first one to obey God. All we know about this man is that his parents were Adam and Eve, he was a shepherd, he presented pleasing sacrifices to God, and his short life was ended at the hands of his jealous older brother, Cain. The Bible doesn't tell us why God liked Abel's gift and disliked Cain's, but both Cain and Abel knew what God expected. Only Abel obeyed. Throughout history, Abel is remembered for his obedience and faith (Hebrews 11:4), and he is called "righteous" (Matthew 23:35). The Bible is filled with God's general guidelines and expectations for our lives. It is also filled with more specific direction. Like Abel, we must obey regardless of the cost and trust God to make things right. Abel's Strengths and Accomplishments * First member of the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 2. First shepherd 3. First martyr for truth (Matthew 23:35) Lessons From Abel's Life * God hears those who come to him 2. God recognizes the innocent person and sooner or later punishes the guilty Abel's Vital Statistics * Where: Just outside of Eden Key Verse "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead (Hebrews 11:4). Abel's story is told in Genesis 4:1-8. He is also mentioned in Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 11:4; and Hebrews 12:24. |