9.29.2017

Abel in the Bible/"He, Although He Died, Yet Speaks" - Conclusion of Abel Developed Faith-How?


Jehovah said that the ground would be cursed. Abel could clearly see the thorns and thistles that fulfilled those words.  Jehovah also foretold that Eve  would suffer pain in pregnancy and childbirth. As Abel's siblings were born, he no doubt learned that those words came true as well. Jehovah foresaw that Eve would feel an unbalanced need for her husband's love and attention and that Adam would, in turn dominate her. Abel watched that sad reality playing out before his eyes. In every case, Abel saw that Jehovah's word is completely reliable.  Thus, Abel had solid reasons for putting faith in  God's promise about a "seed," or offspring, who would one day right the wrongs that had begun in Eden. -Genesis 3:15-19.  

Jehovah's servants. Abel did not find any good examples in the human family, but humans were not the only intelligent creatures at that time.  When Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, Jehovah made sure that neither they or their offspring would gain access to that earthly Paradise. To guard the entrance, Jehovah posted cherubs -very high-ranking angles-along with the flaming blade of a sword that turned continually. -Read Genesis 3:24.  

Imagine what it was like for Abel to see those cherubs when he was a boy. In their materialized form, their appearance surly bespoke immense power. And that "sword," ever aflame, ever turning, inspired awe as well. As Abel grew up, did he ever find that those cherubs got bored and left their post?  No. Day and night, year after year, decade after decade, those intelligent powerful creatures stayed right in that spot. Abel thus learned that Jehovah God had righteous, steadfast servants. In those cherubs, Abel could see a kind of loyalty and obedience to Jehovah that he could not find in his own family.  That angelic example no doubt strengthened his faith.

Meditating on all that Jehovah revealed about himself through creation, divine promises, and the examples of His angelic servants. Abel found that his faith grew even stronger.  His example speaks to us, does it now?  Young people in particular may find it reassuring to know that they can develop genuine faith in Jehovah God, no matter what their family members do.  With the wonders of creation all around us and the entire Bible at our disposal, as well as many human examples of faith, we have ample basis for building faith today.

Next time:  Abel in the Bible/"He, Although He Died, Yet Speaks" -Abel's Sacrifice-Why It Excelled

From the jw.org publications 

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