William Andrew Dillard
Abel
was the first person to be murdered. A debate precipitated his
murder, and a proper act of worship precipitated the debate.
Important details surrounding this incident are not spelled out in so
many words, but they are present in the construction of the ancient
language.
“In the process of time” is a phrase that may
envelope years or decades, but it probably indicates these men were
heads of households, since in early history patriarchial priesthood
was the consistent practice. Cain and Abel brought an offering unto
the Lord. Abel brought of the firstlings of the flock, but Cain
brought of the fruit of the field. God had respect unto Abel and unto
his offering, but He did not have respect unto Cain and his offering.
Cain was terribly angry, and as he and Abel walked in the field they
talked. “Talked” in the Hebrew is in the intensive stem of the
verb meaning they talked intensively and heatedly. It could be called
a debate. Of course, Cain was wrong. When one is wrong there are only
two options: repent and get right or become angry. Cain chose the
latter, and in his anger he sought to silence the voice of truth by
killing his brother.
But what did Abel do that was so right? He
was a sinner as are all men, and as his brother Cain was. However
Hebrews 11:4 tells us “By faith Abel offered a more excellent
sacrifice than Cain. . .” There is the answer. It is still the
answer that makes a difference in men today. Now faith is the belief
in a promise. This tells us that both Cain and Abel had correct
instructions about how to worship and sacrifice unto the Lord. Abel
believed and carried out those instructions. Cain did not, but chose
to substitute his own way of worship rather than follow the
instructions of God.
It must be noted that after six long
millenniums and voluminous instructions and experiences, men still
choose the way of Cain which is labeled in the Bible as “Iniquity.”
Its judgment is certain, as illustrated by Cain.
It is
infinitely more important to follow God in all things rather than
substitute the faulty reasoning of sinful men. Abel got a quick
ticket home in the ordeal, but by it he also continues to speak to
the condemnation of iniquity in men. On the other hand, it is Cain
who really lost his life, and the things that count for all
eternity.
Truly, God gives us all the opportunity to believe Him
and to follow Him. This is the thing sinful men must do if they are
ever to be right in the sight of God. Abel did, and he was so right!
