January 20

Morning

Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil. — Gen 4:2 BSB

Abel, as a shepherd, dedicated his work to God and offered a sacrifice of blood on his altar. The Lord accepted both Abel and his offering. This early example of our Lord is clear and powerful. Like the first light of dawn, it doesn’t show everything, but it clearly reveals that the sun is rising.

When we see Abel as a shepherd and a priest, offering a sacrifice pleasing to God, we see a picture of our Lord Jesus, who brings a sacrifice before His Father that God always accepts. Abel was hated by his brother for no good reason, just as Jesus was hated without cause. The natural, worldly person hated the man who was accepted by God’s grace and didn’t rest until Abel’s blood was shed. Abel’s death, and the blood he shed on the altar, point us to Jesus, who was killed by the hatred of humanity even as He served as our priest before God.

“The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Let us weep over Jesus as we think of Him being killed by the hatred of the world, His blood staining the altar where He offered Himself. Abel’s blood cried out for justice, but Jesus’ blood speaks a greater word—not vengeance, but mercy. How precious it is to stand before the altar of our good Shepherd, to see Him there as the sacrifice, and to hear His blood speaking peace to us: peace in our hearts, peace between us and God, and peace that lasts for eternity. Abel may have been the first shepherd in time, but our hearts will always place Jesus first in greatness. Great Shepherd of the sheep, we, Your people, bless You with all our hearts as we see You slain for us!

Evening

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word. — Ps 119:37 BSB

There are many types of vanity. We can easily recognize the obvious forms of foolishness—the silly entertainments of the world, the pursuit of pleasure, and the distractions that fill people’s lives. These wear their label of vanity openly. But more dangerous are the hidden vanities, like the cares of this world and the false security of wealth. A person can chase after vanity just as much in their business as they can in the theater. If someone spends their life accumulating riches, they are living a life of empty vanity. Unless we are following Christ and making God our ultimate purpose, we are just as lost as those chasing after the most trivial pleasures.

That’s why the psalmist prays, “Give me life in Your ways.” He acknowledges that he is sluggish, dull, and almost lifeless in his pursuit of God. Perhaps you feel the same way. Our hearts can be so heavy and lazy that even the strongest reasons can’t stir us to action unless the Lord Himself does it. Wouldn’t the thought of hell wake me up? Shouldn’t the fact that people are lost in sin move me to act? Shouldn’t the hope of heaven motivate me? How can I think about the glory that awaits God’s people and remain cold? Even the reality of death—standing before God—should drive me to urgency. And doesn’t the love of Christ compel me? How can I think of His wounds and sit at the foot of His cross without being moved to serve Him with passion? Yet, strangely, all these reasons still leave me cold. It seems that nothing can stir me—except God Himself. That’s why we cry, “Give me life!”

The psalmist pours out his heart in earnest prayer. His body and soul are united in his plea: “Turn my eyes away from worthless things” and “Give me life.” This is a prayer for every day. O Lord, hear this prayer in my life tonight.