Reading Genesis 5 we find out about our first ancestors right up to Noah and his sons. Two of our ancestors I keep thinking about. Abel and Enoch. There is so little written about Abel and the Bible doesn’t mention how old Abel was when Cain, his brother, firstborn of Adam and Eve, took his life. In Chapter 5, it mentions how many long years the ancestors mentioned by name lived. Amazing longevity.

Abel was a shepherd. Can you imagine him tending his sheep? Gazing up at the stars, seeing the beauty surrounding him, knowing how much his flock depended upon him? I like to think his heart rejoiced at all he saw that God made. Did he marvel at the stories his parents, Adam and Eve, shared with him about God when He walked with them in the garden? Did he laugh at the antics of the baby sheep? He loved them and he offered God portions of those firstborn loved sheep because he loved God and was thankful. I can’t help but think that was what was so acceptable in his offering to God.

As I think about Abel’s heart for God I can’t help but think about Cain and how his face was downcast when God wasn’t looking at his offering with favor. I can relate to a “face downcast”. I’ve been there. It’s not a generous place to be….not on God’s part but on mine. I’m grateful when God shows me when my face is “downcast”.

Two times in Chapter 5, it describes something special about Enoch. Enoch walked faithfully with God v. 22 and 24. He lived a total of 365 years and then God took him away. A comparatively short life span compared to the 777 to 969 described of others. He walked faithfully with God.

I love to read about the people of faith. I love their hearts for God. A beautiful Doxology written by Thomas Ken: “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117.

I think what Abel and Enoch and all the great ancestors of faith share is their realization of and praise for all that God gives us. Look around and give thanks and praise for the beauty you enjoy, the people you love, the life flowing in you. Remember, every good and perfect gift comes from God in His abundant love for you. With praise for all He does comes love, delight, thankful hearts turned to Him….a beautiful offering He delights in.