Read & Reflect: Genesis 4:1-26
We have little detail about Abel. He is the second son of Adam and Eve. He is a shepherd and he is murdered by his older brother, Cain. His significance? He is the first person to die. In Matthew 23: 35 Jesus refers to him as righteous and this is amplified in Hebrews 11:4. Before, as some have, we get too carried away with likening Abel to Jesus, we should note the reminder of the much “better” thing we have in Jesus (Hebrews 12: 24).
Respond:
As we think of Abel, the first person to be mourned. Give thought and prayer for all who have been and are experiencing bereavement. Jesus says “Blessed are those who mourn” – how can we add to this blessing?