Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon. Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2010.
“Abel kept flocks.” Genesis 4:2
As a shepherd, Abel “brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.” (Genesis 4:4) This early type (foreshadowing) of our Lord is clear and distinct. Like the first streak of light which tinges the east at sunrise, it does not reveal everything, but it clearly reveals the great fact that the sun is coming.
We see Abel, a shepherd and yet a priest, offering a sacrifice of sweet smell unto God. Compare this to our Lord, who brings before His Father a sacrifice to which Jehovah has and will forever respect.
Abel was hated by his brother. He was hated without a cause. And so too was our Savior. The natural and carnal man hated the accepted man in whom the Spirit of grace was found, and would not rest until his blood had been shed.
Abel died, and shed his own blood on his altar in sacrifice. He foreshadows how the Lord Jesus would be slain by the hatred of man while serving as a priest. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Let us weep over Him as we view Him slain by the hatred of mankind, staining His altar with His own blood.
Abel’s blood speaketh. “The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”” (Genesis 4:10) The blood of Jesus has a mighty tongue, and the importance of its prevailing cry is not vengeance but mercy. It is precious beyond all preciousness to stand at the altar of our good Shepherd. We see Him bleeding there as the slaughtered priest, and then hear His blood speaking peace to all His flock: Peace in our conscience, peace between Jew and Gentile, peace between man and his offended Maker, peace all down the ages of eternity for blood-washed people.
Abel is the first shepherd in order of time, but our hearts will forever place Jesus first in order of excellence. God, great Keeper of the sheep, we the people of Your pasture bless You with our whole hearts when we see You slain for us.
Question: Have you ever considered how Abel’s death foreshadowed Christ’s? What does his death tell us about Christ’s?
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/01/28/cs_slain-for-us/
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