When you think of the names Cain and Abel, what comes to mind?

Well, most of us think about the first murder committed in the history of the human race. Of course, we all know that it was Cain who murdered his younger brother Abel in cold blood (Genesis 4:8).

But what if there is something else, something of maximum importance, that should fill our minds when we remember this ancient pair of brothers?

The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews takes us back to Genesis 4 as he begins listing the individual examples of saving, persevering faith in chapter 11.

The first name mentioned is that of “ Abel” (11:4).

Remarkably, there is no mention of his murder at all! The only point of emphasis the author draws from Genesis 4 is that, “ By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain” ( NASB).

This coming Lord’s Day we will examine this simple inspired phrase that depicts the man called “ Abel.” And we will learn how his example of “ faith” instructs and challenges us today!