Abel is the second son to be born in the world after Cain. His family life would have been a dutiful son to parents. Adam and Eve had to learn parenting, while the children’s responsibility to show honour and obey parents were not written as laws, but evident in their hearts. Abel would have loved his brother, though his ways were not preferable. He trusted Cain that he willingly went with him not knowing he would be murdered. He was a shepherd, probably successful in his profession. While Cain chose to be a farmer (or agriculturist) Abel chose to be a shepherd (or keeper of domesticated animals.)
Two types of religion: In fact, Cain and Abel represent two types of religion. Cain represented a religion created by humans, depending on their own deeds or works, demanding God to be at their service, creating their own rituals and sacrifices. In contrast, Abel represented the spirituality that God demands and expects from humans.
1) Model in worship: Humans are created to live and give glory to God. (Isaiah 43:7) Abel had a relationship with God that he chose to worship him. Adam and Eve must have shared their spiritual experiences with the creator and a great life in the Garden of Eden. Abel must have longed for that life that his parents had and lost.
2) Model in sacrifice: Abel understood that a lamb would be an appropriate sacrifice unto the Lord. He is commended for his sacrifice in faith, looking forward into the future towards the Lamb of God who will die for humanity. God accepted his sacrifice as it was pleasing to him. (Hebrews 11: 4)
3) Model in righteousness: Lord Jesus Christ commended Abel. He is termed as righteous. In the Scripture, a righteous person is one who does what is right in the sight of God. Abel’s life, his relationship with God and others was pleasing unto God. (Matthew 23:35) Cain even murdered Abel for being righteous. (I John 3:12)
Do I follow Abel in worship, sacrifice and righteousness?