All In: Faith UnfurledSample

These days we tend to hear a lot of noise being made about “firsts:” first person to do this, etc. Sometimes, being the first in a certain category is not an honor. For instance, Cain was the first murderer. His brother, Abel, was the first murder victim.

In Hebrews 11:4, we read that, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain…” Both brothers brought sacrifices to God, but only Abel brought a sacrifice that was pleasing to God. Abel brought the required animal sacrifice, but Cain brought the fruit of the ground. Cain’s attempt to please God with the works of his hands fell short, and he was so angry at God’s rejection of his offering that he killed his brother, Abel.

Hebrews 11:4 continues: “…by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel was righteous in God’s eyes. It was not his sacrifice of a lamb that made him righteous. It was his faith in God that there would be a future sacrifice to pay for his sins. He was showing his faith by his offering, and though he is dead today, his faith still speaks.

This is an important concept that we need to get. When we do the things that God tells us to do, and we do it His way, our faith will continue to live after we are gone. Even though Abel was killed, the sacrifice that he brought continued for generations. Today, we are still talking about Abel.

Believer, what are you doing for God? Will the things you are spending your moments on speak to your faith for all eternity? If not, today is the day to start!