Hall Of Faith

Hall of Faith

Q: What two men does this verse talk about? “It was by faith that _____ brought a more acceptable offering to God than _____ did.”

• a. Abraham and Lot
• b. Abel and Cain
• c. Jacob and Esau

Hebrews 11 contains the “Hall of Faith.” It’s a list of people who pleased God through living by faith and trusting him. Many people in the Hall of Faith have been discussed in previous devotions, but let’s spend a few days reviewing how they showed faith.

Here’s the background: God created Adam and Eve, placed them in a beautiful garden, and walked and talked with them. But when Adam and Eve sinned, they had to leave the garden. Their lives changed. Eve gave birth to two sons—Cain, who became a farmer, and Abel, who became a shepherd. Both boys grew up hearing stories from their parents of what life had been like when Adam and Eve walked with God in their garden home. Yet Abel was drawn to God and Cain wasn’t.

Abel’s faith in a God he couldn’t see was shown in his offering of a perfect lamb given with a correct attitude toward God. Cain’s offering failed to do that. (See January 7th’s devotion.) The Hebrews Hall of Faith passage says, “Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts.” Abel had a heart for God, and God approved of him. Abel is an example of a man who lived by faith.

For You

There are many things you can give to God—your time, your talents and abilities, your money. Do you offer God the best you have with a right attitude? You do that when you willingly use your talents to help another person, give a little extra in the offering at church, or cheerfully help at home. What other ways can you give to God today?

Answer: b

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts.   Hebrews 11:4

(The Whole Story: Hebrews 11)