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SPEAKING WITHOUT WORDS
It’s odd that a person can “speak” so effectively through centuries and millennia, even though the Bible does not record a single word from his mouth. Cain, the perpetrator, gets to talk at some length in Abel’s story (see Genesis 4:1 – 14). In her recorded story, Eve speaks. Adam also had his say. But what do we hear from Abel? Nothing. He did, however, demonstrate several recognizable qualities: obedience (he brings the offering God desired) and eagerness (one cannot read of Abel without sensing that he enjoyed pleasing God).
Abel was also the victim of extreme violence. Abel follows his brother Cain to the field and dies with a look of shock and vulnerability in his eyes, as millions have since. Abel’s story reminds us of the evil that darkens our world, of lives lost to treachery and hatred. His death begs for moral judgment, for God to make things right again.
And that is exactly what God promises to do, through the victory of Jesus Christ, our Savior. On Easter morning, Abel’s life — and yours — was bought back eternally, forever, by God’s mighty power. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” (John 14:6). Today and each day of your life, trust Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior, for life eternal.
PRAYER
Jesus, I acknowledge that you are the way . . .
READ
Abel’s story is told in Genesis 4. He also is mentioned in Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51 and Hebrews 11:4; 12:24.
It’s odd that a person can “speak” so effectively through centuries and millennia, even though the Bible does not record a single word from his mouth. Cain, the perpetrator, gets to talk at some length in Abel’s story (see Genesis 4:1 – 14). In her recorded story, Eve speaks. Adam also had his say. But what do we hear from Abel? Nothing. He did, however, demonstrate several recognizable qualities: obedience (he brings the offering God desired) and eagerness (one cannot read of Abel without sensing that he enjoyed pleasing God).
Abel was also the victim of extreme violence. Abel follows his brother Cain to the field and dies with a look of shock and vulnerability in his eyes, as millions have since. Abel’s story reminds us of the evil that darkens our world, of lives lost to treachery and hatred. His death begs for moral judgment, for God to make things right again.
And that is exactly what God promises to do, through the victory of Jesus Christ, our Savior. On Easter morning, Abel’s life — and yours — was bought back eternally, forever, by God’s mighty power. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” (John 14:6). Today and each day of your life, trust Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior, for life eternal.
PRAYER
Jesus, I acknowledge that you are the way . . .
READ
Abel’s story is told in Genesis 4. He also is mentioned in Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51 and Hebrews 11:4; 12:24.
Scripture
About this Plan
This is a 21 day extract of the Once-A-Day Men & Women of the Bible Devotional with 365 daily readings unpacking the most memorable people of the Bible. Daily readings take a look at the lives of Bible characters and include Bible text, a short reading, and a thought to ponder.
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