“Abel was a keeper of sheep” (Genesis 4:2)

As a shepherd, Abel sanctified his work to the glory of God, by offering a sacrifice of blood, “and Jehovah respected Abel and his offering” (Genesis 4:4). Abel is a definite type of Christ. Like the first streak of light which tinges the east at sunrise, it doesn’t reveal everything, but it clearly manifests the great fact that the sun is coming. When Abel, serving as a shepherd and priest, offers a sacrifice to God, we discern our Lord, who offers His Father a sacrifice, which Jehovah accepts. 

 Abel was hated by his brother - hated without just cause, just as our Savior was hated by religious hypocrites. The natural, carnal man hates the spiritual, righteous man, and kills him. When Abel fell, his blood sprinkled the altar, and he became a type of Christ, who was sacrificed for the sins of mankind, making the saints holy, “through the blood of the everlasting covenant” (Hebrews 13:20). 

 The Lord said to Cain, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). Just so, the blood of Christ speaks through eternity, but the prevailing cry is not vengeance, but mercy. It’s precious beyond all preciousness to stand at the altar of our good Shepherd! To see Him bleeding there as the slaughtered priest, and then hear His blood speaking peace to His flock, peace in our conscience, peace between man and his offended Maker, peace through all the ages of eternity for blood-washed men. Abel is the first shepherd in order of time, but Christ is first in our hearts. 

 “You are the great Keeper of the sheep, and we are the people of Your pasture. We bless You with our whole hearts when we see You slain for us. Amen”.