Christ in Abel (1)

Genesis Ch 4 tells the story of the first family. It is a sad story of disobedience, deception, death, and discipline. Cain and Abel were the first brothers, but their relationship is certainly not the template to follow! Cain was "of that wicked one, and slew his brother" (1 John 3.12). 

However, alongside the hatred and murder, the rebellion and judgment of Cain, the character of Abel shines brightly, and we cannot help but see that he illustrates some of the features of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will consider three subjects as follows:

1. Abel's Shepherding

2. Abel's Sacrifice

3. Abel's Slaughter 

In this post, the first of these will be considered. 

Abel's Shepherding 

Abel was a shepherd, a "keeper of sheep" (Gen 4.2). This occupation was shared by many of the great Old Testament worthies: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David to name but a few. 

The shepherd must guide his sheep, guard his sheep and graze his sheep. Abel directed his sheep according what was best for them, he protected them in what had become a hostile environment, and he provided the necessary diet for them.

The title "shepherd" is lifted to sublime heights by King David who wrote the well known words of Psalm 23: "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want". In that Psalm he shows how he was guided by the LORD, "He leadeth me beside still waters ... He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake"; guarded by the LORD, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me"; and how he grazed upon the LORD's provision, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ...He restoreth my soul ... Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over". With such care and attention lavished upon him by the LORD, David concludes "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23.1-6)

In the New Testament, this Shepherd is revealed to be none other than the Lord Jesus Himself! While, as we noted, many Old Testament saints were shepherds, the One for whom the title "good shepherd" was reserved was the Lord Jesus. In John Ch 10 He states, "I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (v11) and, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (v14).  

Being the good shepherd, the Lord demonstrated sacrificial love for His sheep, being willing to give His life for them (v11). He also has intimate knowledge of His sheep, and they know Him (v14).

Truly blessed are those who can say honestly, as David did in Psalm 23.1, "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want". To own Jesus as Lord, and to trust Him as Saviour, is to be assured of His shepherd care through life. Is He your Shepherd? If so, you can trust Him for the plan of your life, you can rest in His protection, and delight in His provision. He has promised that every one of His sheep are eternally secure in His hand (John 10.27-30)

 

"The King of Love my Shepherd is,

Whose goodness faileth never;

I nothing lack if I am His,

And He is mine forever."

(Henry W Baker. 1821-77)