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

As the two boys grew up, Adam likely trained them in work that was necessary to provide for the family. Cain took up farming; Abel took up shepherding.

However, Abel did something far more important. Over the years, he developed faith-that beautiful quality that Paul later wrote.  Think of it!  Abel had no human example to whom he could look.  How, then, did he develop faith in Jehovah God?  Consider three solid bases on which his faith likely rested.

Jehovah's creation. True, Jehovah had placed a curse on the ground, causing it to produce thorns and thistles that impeded agriculture. Still, the earth generously produced the food that kept Abel's family alive.  And there was no curse on the animals, including the birds and fish; nor on the mountains, lakes, rivers, and seas; nor in the skies, clouds, sun, moon, and stars.  Everywhere Abel looked, he saw evidence of the profound love, wisdom, and goodness of Jehovah God, the one who created all things.  (Read Romans 1:20)  No doubt, meditating appreciatively on such things strengthened Abel's faith.  

Abel surely took time to ponder spiritual matters. Picture him tending his flock. A shepherd's life required a great deal of walking. He led the gentile creatures over hills, through valleys, across rivers-ever seeking the greenest grass, the best watering holes, the most sheltered resting-places. Of all of God's creatures, sheep seemed to be the most helpless, as if they were designed to need man to guide and protect them.  Did Abel see that he too needed guidance, protection, and care from Someone far wiser and more powerful than any human?  No doubt he expressed many such thoughts in prayer, and his faith continued to grow as a result.  

Jehovah's promises.  Adam and Eve must have related to their sons the events in the garden of Eden that led to their expulsion. Thus, Abel had much food for meditation.  

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

From the jw.org publications