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

As Abel's faith in Jehovah grew, he wanted to find a way to express that faith in action. Yet, what could a mere man give to the Creator of the universe?  Clearly, God did not need any gift or help from humans.  In time, Abel came to grasp a profound truth: If-with the right motive-he simply offered to Jehovah the best of what he had, his loving Father would be pleased. 

Abel prepared to offer up sheep from his flock. He selected the best, the firstlings and what seemed the choicest pieces. Meanwhile, Cain too sought God's blessing and favor, preparing an offering from his crops. But his motives were not like those of Abel.  The difference became apparent when the brothers presented their offerings. 

Both sons of Adam may ave used altars and fire for their offerings, perhaps within sight of the cherubs, who were the only living representatives of Jehovah on earth at that time.  Jehovah responded!  We read:  "Jehovah was looking with favor upon Abel and his offering."  (Genesis 4:4)  How God made his favor evident, the Bible does not say. 

Why did God favor Abel?  Was it the offering itself? Abel did offer a living, breathing creature, shedding it precious lifeblood. Did Abel realize how valuable such a sacrifice would be?  Many centuries after Abel's time, God used the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb to picture the sacrifice of His own perfect Son, "the Lamb of God," whose innocent blood would be shed.  (John 1:29; Exodus 12:5-7)  However, much of that surely lay well beyond Abel's knowledge or understanding. 

What we know for certain is this:  Abel offered up the very best of what he had. Jehovah looked with favor not only on the offering but on the man himself. Motivated by love for Jehovah and by genuine faith in him, Abel acted. 

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

From the jw.org publications