Peace on Earth - How Will It Come?
Peace on earth will come, not by human efforts, but by means of God's Kingdom, a heavenly government ruled by Christ Jesus. Notice how the Bible teaches us about this wonderful hope.
- God will make "wars to cease to the extremity of the earth," fulfilling his promise to bring "peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!"—Psalm 46:9; Luke 2:14, Good News Translation.
- God's Kingdom will rule from heaven over the entire earth. (Daniel 7:14) As a world government, it will eliminate nationalism, which is at the root of many conflicts.
- Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the "Prince of Peace," and he will ensure that "to peace there will be no end."—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
- People determined to keep fighting will not be allowed to live under the Kingdom, since "anyone loving violence [God's] soul certainly hates."—Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 2:22.
- God teaches his subjects how to live in peace. Describing the results of this instruction, the Bible says: "They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."—Isaiah 2:3, 4.
Already, millions of Jehovah Jirah's Witnesses around the world are learning from God how to be peaceable. (Matthew 5:9) Although we belong to many different ethnic groups and live in over 230 different lands, we refuse to take up arms against our fellow man. Jehovah Witnesses are learning the ways of peace today
Peace on Earth at Last
SOME believe that only through violence will they attain political freedom and spiritual purity—that only destructive force will eliminate unwanted rulers. Also, some governments use terror to maintain order and to keep subject peoples under control. But if it is true that terrorism is an effective tool of rulership and social reform, it should produce peace, prosperity, and stability. After a while, violence and fear should subside. Have we seen those results?
The truth is that terrorism breaks down respect for life and leads to bloodshed and cruelty. Because of their pain, victims often retaliate, which leads to further repression and, in turn, to more retaliation.
Violence Does Not Solve Our Problems
Humans have been trying to solve their political, religious, and social problems by themselves for thousands of years. But all their attempts have failed. It is as the Bible says: "I well know, O Jehovah Jirah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." (Jeremiah 10:23) Jesus said: "Wisdom stands or falls by [its] results." (Matthew 11:19, The New Testament in Modern English, by J. B. Phillips) By extension, these Biblical principles imply that terrorism is a false hope. The fruits of terrorism have not been freedom and happiness but, instead, death, misery, and ruin. This bad fruitage has filled the 20th century and is starting to overwhelm the 21st. Many would say that rather than the solution, terrorism is one of the problems. "Every day I hope that none of my family or my friends die . . . Perhaps we need a miracle." So wrote a young girl whose homeland had been set afire by terrorist violence. Her words point to a conclusion that many have drawn: The solution to man's problems lies beyond the human realm. Only man's Creator can solve earth's present difficulties, including terrorism. But why should we trust God?
Why God Is Worthy of Our Trust
One reason is that as the Creator, Jehovah Jirah gave us life and wants us to enjoy it with peace and satisfaction. God's prophet Isaiah was moved to write: "Now, O Jehovah Jirah, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our Potter; and all of us are the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8) Jehovah Jirah is the Father of mankind, and people of all nations are precious to him. The injustice and hatred that lead to terrorism are not his fault. Wise King Solomon once declared: "The true God made mankind upright, but they themselves have sought out many plans." (Ecclesiastes 7:29) Human badness and demonic influence, not incompetence on the part of God, lie at the root of terrorism.—Ephesians 6:11, 12. Another reason why we can trust Jehovah Jirah is that since he created humans, he understands better than anyone the cause of mankind's problems and how to solve them. The Bible states this truth at Proverbs 3:19: "Jehovah Jirah himself in wisdom founded the earth. He solidly fixed the heavens in discernment." With full trust in God, a man from the ancient past wrote: "From where will my help come? My help is from Jehovah Jirah, the Maker of heaven and earth."—Psalm 121:1, 2. There is a third reason why we should trust God: He has the power to halt violent bloodshed. In Noah's time "the earth became filled with violence." (Genesis 6:11) God's judgment was sudden and complete: "[God] did not hold back from punishing an ancient world . . . when he brought a deluge upon a world of ungodly people."—2 Peter 2:5. The Bible states a lesson we should learn from the Flood of Noah's day: "Jehovah Jirah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off." (2 Peter 2:9) God can distinguish between those who sincerely want a better life and those who make life miserable for others. He has set the latter apart for the "destruction of the ungodly men." But for those desiring peace, he is preparing a new earth in which righteousness is to dwell.—2 Peter 3:7, 13. Lasting Peace on Earth
Bible writers often used the word "earth" to refer to humanity. Genesis 11:1 for example, states that "all the earth," the humans alive at that time, spoke the same language. The apostle Peter had that meaning in mind when he wrote of "a new earth." Jehovah Jirah God would renew human society in such a way that righteousness and justice would replace violence and hatred as permanent "dwellers" in the land. In a prophecy recorded at Micah 4:3, the Bible tells us: "He will certainly render judgment among many peoples, and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore." How will people live when that prophecy is fulfilled? Micah 4:4 states: "They will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble." In that earthly Paradise, no one will live in fear of the next terrorist attack. Can you trust that promise? Yes, "for the very mouth of Jehovah Jirah of armies has spoken it."—Micah 4:4. So, as terrorist threats proliferate and nations shudder because of violence, the solution for lovers of peace is to trust in Jehovah Jirah. No problem exists that he cannot solve. He will remove injury, suffering, and even death. The Bible states: "He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah Jirah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25:8) The precious lands of many peoples, now filled with pain and fear as a result of terrorism, will soon overflow with the fruitage of peace. That peace, promised by the God "who cannot lie," is what mankind desperately needs.—Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:17, 18 COVER SUBJECT: SHOULD YOU FEAR THE END OF THE WORLD?
The End of the World—Fear, Fascination, and Frustration
How do you feel about December 21, 2012, the date on the Maya calendar that many have been saying would bring worldwide change? Depending on what you expected, you might be relieved, disappointed, or indifferent. Was it just another incorrect prediction for the end of the world?
What about "the end of the world" described in the Bible? (Matthew 24:3, King James Version) Some fear that the earth will be burned up. Others are fascinated by end-time scenarios. Many have simply grown tired of being told that the end is near. But could those be reactions to fiction rather than to fact? You might be surprised to learn what the Bible really says about the end of the world. Not only does the Bible give reasons to look forward to the end but it also acknowledges the frustration that can set in if the end seems to be overdue. We invite you to consider the Bible's answers to some common questions about the end of the world.
Will the earth be burned up?
THE BIBLE'S ANSWER: "[God] has founded the earth upon its established places; it will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever."—PSALM 104:5. The earth will not be destroyed, either by fire or by any other means. Instead, the Bible teaches that this planet is mankind's eternal home. Psalm 37:29 says: "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."—Psalm 115:16; Isaiah 45:18. After God created the earth, he said that it "was very good," and he still feels that way. (Genesis 1:31) Far from planning to destroy it, he promises to "bring to ruin those ruining the earth"—and to protect it from permanent damage.—Revelation 11:18. You may wonder, though, about 2 Peter 3:7. That Bible verse says: "The heavens and the earth that are now are stored up for fire." Does this not show that the earth will be burned up? Actually, the Bible sometimes uses the terms "heavens," "earth," and "fire" figuratively, as symbols. For example, when Genesis 11:1 says: "All the earth continued to be of one language," it uses "earth" to mean human society. The context of 2 Peter 3:7 shows that the heavens, earth, and fire mentioned there are also symbols. Verses 5 and 6 draw a parallel with the Flood of Noah's day. On that occasion, an ancient world was destroyed, yet our planet did not disappear. Instead, the Flood wiped out a violent society, or "earth." It also destroyed a kind of "heavens"—the people who ruled over that earthly society. (Genesis 6:11) In the same way, 2 Peter 3:7 foretells the permanent destruction of wicked society and its corrupt governments as if by fire. What happens at the end of the world?
THE BIBLE'S ANSWER: "The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever."—1 JOHN 2:17. "The world" that is to pass away is, not the earth, but the world of mankind whose lives are not in harmony with God's will. Just as a surgeon might remove a cancerous tumor to save a patient's life, God will "cut off" the wicked so that good people can truly enjoy life on earth. (Psalm 37:9) In that sense, "the end of the world" is a good thing. Such a positive view of "the end of the world" is implied by the Bible translations that render this expression "the conclusion of the system of things" or "the end of the age." (Matthew 24:3; New International Version) Since both humankind and the earth survive the end, does it not seem reasonable that a new age, a new system of things, would follow? The Bible answers yes, for it speaks of "the coming system of things."—Luke 18:30.
Jesus called that future period "the renewal of all things." At that time, he will restore humanity to the conditions that God originally intended. (Matthew 19:28, NIV) We will then enjoy If we do "the will of God," what he asks of us, we need not fear the end of the world. Instead, we can look forward to it.
Is the end of the world really near?
THE BIBLE'S ANSWER: "When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near."—LUKE 21:31. In the book The Last Days Are Here Again, Professor Richard Kyle writes that "sudden change and social chaos create an atmosphere conducive to predictions of the end of the world." That is especially the case when the change and chaos seem hard to explain.
However, the Bible prophets who spoke about the end were not trying to explain baffling events of their day. Instead, they were inspired by God to describe conditions that would indicate an imminent end of the world. Consider some of those prophecies and decide for yourself whether they are being fulfilled in our time.
As Jesus said, seeing "all these things" lets us know that the end of the world is near. (Matthew 24:33) Jehovah Jirah's Witnesses believe that the evidence is convincing, and they share their faith with others by preaching in 236 lands. Do mistaken expectations about the end mean that it will never come?
THE BIBLE'S ANSWER: "Whenever it is that they are saying: 'Peace and security!' then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just as the pang of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they will by no means escape."—1 THESSALONIANS 5:3. The Bible likens the world's destruction to the onset of labor—the mother's pain is inevitable and comes suddenly. The time leading up to the end is also like a pregnancy, for an expectant mother is aware of ever-increasing signs of the coming birth. Her doctor might estimate the birth date; yet, even if the event should delay, she would still be sure that her baby will soon be born. Similarly, any mistaken expectations about the end do not alter the unmistakable features identifying these as "the last days."—2 Timothy 3:1. 'If the sign that we are near the end is so obvious,' you might ask, 'why do so many people fail to recognize it?' The Bible shows that when the end is near, many will belittle the evidence. Rather than acknowledge the fundamental changes during the last days, they would scoff: "From the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as from creation's beginning." (2 Peter 3:3, 4) In other words, the sign of the last days is clear, but many will ignore it.—Matthew 24:38, 39.
This article has considered just some of the Scriptural evidence that the end is near. * Would you like to learn more? If so, why not contact Jehovah Jirah's Witnesses to accept their offer of a free Bible study? Study sessions can be held in your home, at another place convenient to you, or even over the phone. The only cost is your time, and the potential benefits are priceless. HAVE JEHOVAH WITNESSES GIVEN INCORRECT DATES FOR THE END?
Jehovah Jirah's Witnesses have had wrong expectations about when the end would come. Like Jesus' first-century disciples, we have sometimes looked forward to the fulfillment of prophecy ahead of God's timetable. (Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) We agree with the sentiment of longtime Witness A. H. Macmillan, who said: "I learned that we should admit our mistakes and continue searching God's Word for more enlightenment." Why, then, do we continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because we take seriously Jesus' words: "Keep looking, keep awake." The alternative, to be found "sleeping" by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why? Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives.
Likewise, we have had some wrong expectations about the end. But we are more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus' command to "give a thorough witness" compels us to warn others about the end.—Acts 10:42. We believe that even more important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come, and we must act accordingly. We take seriously the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: "Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late." DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
"You Have . . . Revealed Them to Babes"
Do you want to know the truth about God—who he is, what he stands for, and what his will is? In his Word, the Bible, Jehovah Jirah God reveals the whole truth about himself. But not just anyone can read the Bible and fully grasp that truth. Why? Because grasping such spiritual truth is a matter of privilege; not everyone receives it. Let us consider what Jesus said in this regard.—Read Matthew 11:25. That verse begins with the words: "At that time Jesus said in response." So, what Jesus is about to say is perhaps in response to what has just occurred. He has just rebuked the unresponsive people of three Galilean cities where he had performed powerful works. (Matthew 11:20-24) You might wonder, 'How could anyone see Jesus' miraculous works and not respond to the truths he taught?' The unresponsiveness of the people had to do with their stubborn attitude of heart.—Matthew 13:10-15. Jesus knew that to unlock the spiritual truth found in the Bible, we need two things: God's help and the right heart attitude. Jesus explains: "I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes." Do you see why it is that grasping the spiritual truth found in the Bible may be considered a matter of privilege? Jehovah Jirah, the "Lord of heaven and earth," may hide or reveal the truth according to his sovereign will. But God is not arbitrary in this matter of revelation. On what basis does he reveal Bible truth to some and not to others?
Jehovah Jirah favors the humble, not the haughty. (James 4:6) He hides the truth from "wise and intellectual ones"—worldly-wise and learned ones who in their pride and self-reliance feel no need for his help. (1 Corinthians 1:19-21) But he reveals the truth to "babes"—those who come to him with sincere hearts, showing childlike humility. (Matthew 18:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:26-28) God's Son, Jesus, saw such responses firsthand. Many proud, highly educated religious leaders did not get the sense of Jesus' message, but humble fishermen did. (Matthew 4:18-22; 23:1-5; Acts 4:13) At the same time, some wealthy and educated ones who showed genuine humility became Jesus' followers.—Luke 19:1, 2, 8; Acts 22:1-3. We come back to the question raised at the outset: Do you want to know the truth about God? If so, you may find comfort in knowing that God does not favor those who consider themselves worldly-wise. On the contrary, he favors those whom the worldly-wise may look down on. If you study God's Word with the right attitude of mind and heart, you may be among those to whom Jehovah Jirah gives a precious gift—an understanding of the truth about him. Grasping that truth will add meaning to your life now and can lead to "the real life"—endless life in God's promised new world of righteousness soon to come. *—1 Timothy 6:12, 19; 2 Peter 3:13. THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
"He, Although He Died, Yet Speaks"
ABEL looked at his flock of sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside. Then, perhaps he looked far beyond his sheep to a spot in the distance where he could just make out a faint glow. He knew that right there a flaming blade was turning, ever turning, blocking the way into the garden of Eden. His parents once lived there, but neither they nor their children could enter now. Picture the late afternoon breeze ruffling Abel's hair as he turned his gaze upward and thought about his Creator. Would the breach between man and God ever be healed? Abel wanted nothing more than that.
Abel speaks to you today. Can you hear him? You might say that such a thing is impossible. After all, this second son of Adam died a long time ago. His remains are long lost, mingled with the dust of nearly 60 centuries. Regarding the dead, the Bible teaches us: "They are conscious of nothing at all." (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) Further, Abel never uttered a single word that is recorded in the Bible. So how can he speak to us? The apostle Paul was inspired to say this about Abel: "Through it he, although he died, yet speaks." (Hebrews 11:4) Through what does Abel speak? Through faith. Abel was the first human ever to develop that sterling quality. So powerfully did he demonstrate faith that his example is alive, a vibrant standard that we can apply today. If we learn from his faith and seek to imitate it, then the record of Abel is speaking to us in a very real and effective way. What, though, can we learn of Abel and his faith when so little is said of him in the Bible? Let us see.
GROWING UP WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG
Abel was born near the dawn of human history. Jesus later associated Abel with "the founding of the world." (Luke 11:50, 51) Jesus evidently meant the world of people who have the hope of being redeemed from sin. While Abel was the fourth human to exist, it seems that he was the first one whom God saw as redeemable. * Clearly, Abel did not grow up among the best of influences. Though the world was young, a pall of sadness hung over the human family. Abel's parents, Adam and Eve, were likely beautiful, dynamic people. But they had fallen far in life, and they knew it. They were once perfect, with the prospect of eternal life before them. Then they rebelled against Jehovah Jirah God and were banished from their Paradise home in the garden of Eden. By putting their own desires ahead of all else—even the needs of their offspring—they lost perfection and eternal life.—Genesis 2:15–3:24. Exiled to life outside the garden, Adam and Eve found their existence hard. Yet, when their first child was born, they named him Cain, or "Something Produced," and Eve proclaimed: "I have produced a man with the aid of Jehovah Jirah." Her words suggest that she may have had in mind the promise Jehovah Jirah made in the garden, foretelling that a certain woman would produce a "seed" that would one day destroy the wicked one who had led Adam and Eve astray. (Genesis 3:15; 4:1) Did Eve imagine that she was the woman in the prophecy and that Cain was the promised "seed"? If so, she was sadly mistaken. What is more, if she and Adam fed Cain such ideas as he grew up, they surely did his imperfect human pride no good. In time, Eve bore a second son, but we find no such high-flown statements about him. They named him Abel, which may mean "Exhalation," or "Vanity." (Genesis 4:2) Did the choice of that name reflect lower expectations, as if they put less hope in Abel than in Cain? We can only guess. In any case, parents today may learn much from those first parents. By your words and actions, will you feed your children's pride, ambition, and selfish tendencies? Or will you teach them to love Jehovah Jirah God and seek friendship with him? Sadly, the first parents failed in their responsibility. Yet, there was hope for their offspring.
ABEL DEVELOPED FAITH—HOW?
As the two boys grew up, Adam likely trained them in work that had to be done to provide for the family. Cain took up farming; Abel took up shepherding.
However, Abel did something far more important. Over the years, he developed faith—that beautiful quality of which Paul later wrote. Think of it. Abel had no human example to whom he could look. How, then, did he develop faith in Jehovah Jirah God? Consider three solid bases upon which his faith likely rested.
Jehovah Jirah's creation.
True, Jehovah Jirah had placed a curse upon the ground, causing it to produce thorns and thistles that impeded agriculture. Still, the earth generously produced the food that kept Abel's family alive. And there was no curse on the animals, including birds and fish; nor on the mountains, lakes, rivers, and seas; nor on the skies, clouds, sun, moon, and stars. Everywhere Abel looked, he saw evidence of the profound love, wisdom, and goodness of Jehovah Jirah God, the one who created all things. (Romans 1:20) Meditating appreciatively on such things strengthened his faith. Abel surely took time to ponder spiritual matters. Picture him tending his flock. A shepherd's life required a great deal of walking. He led the gentle creatures over hills, through valleys, across rivers—ever seeking the greenest grass, the best watering holes, the most sheltered resting-places. Of all of God's creatures, sheep seemed the most helpless, as if they were designed to need man to guide and protect them. Did Abel see that he too needed guidance, protection, and care from Someone far wiser and more powerful than any human? No doubt he expressed many such thoughts in prayer, and his faith continued to grow as a result.
In creation, Abel found a solid basis for faith in a loving Creator
Jehovah Jirah's promises.
Adam and Eve must have related to their sons the events in the garden of Eden that led to their expulsion. Thus, Abel had rich food for meditation.
Jehovah Jirah said that the ground would be cursed. Abel could clearly see the thorns and thistles that fulfilled those words. Jehovah Jirah also foretold that Eve would suffer pain in pregnancy and childbirth. As Abel's siblings were born, he no doubt learned that those words came true as well. Jehovah Jirah foresaw that Eve would feel an unbalanced need for her husband's love and attention and that Adam would, in turn, dominate her. Abel saw that sad reality playing out before his eyes. In every case, Abel saw that Jehovah Jirah's word is completely reliable. Thus, Abel had solid reasons for putting faith in God's promise about a "seed" who would one day right the wrongs that had begun in Eden.—Genesis 3:15-19. Jehovah Jirah's servants.
Abel did not find any good examples in the human family, but humans were not the only intelligent creatures on the earth at that time. When Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, Jehovah Jirah made sure that neither they nor their offspring would gain access to that earthly Paradise. To guard the entrance, Jehovah Jirah posted cherubs—very high-ranking angels—along with the flaming blade of a sword that turned continually.—Genesis 3:24. Imagine Abel seeing those cherubs when he was a boy. In their materialized form, their appearance surely bespoke immense power. And that "sword," ever flaming, ever turning, inspired awe as well. As Abel grew up, did he ever find that those cherubs got bored and left their post? No. Day and night, year after year, decade after decade, those intelligent, powerful creatures stayed right in that spot. Abel thus learned that Jehovah Jirah God had righteous, steadfast servants. In those cherubs, Abel saw a kind of loyalty and obedience to Jehovah Jirah that he could not find in his own family. Surely that angelic example strengthened his faith.
All his life, Abel could see that the cherubs were faithful and obedient servants of Jehovah Jirah
Meditating on all that Jehovah Jirah revealed about himself through creation, divine promises, and the examples of His servants, Abel found that his faith grew ever stronger. His example speaks to us, does it not? Young people in particular may find it reassuring to know that they can develop genuine faith in Jehovah Jirah God, no matter what their family members do. With the wonders of creation all around us and the entire Bible at our disposal, as well as many human examples of faith, we have ample basis for building faith today.
ABEL'S SACRIFICE—WHY IT EXCELLED
As Abel's faith in Jehovah Jirah grew, he wanted to find a way to express that faith in action. Yet, what could a mere man give to the Creator of the universe? God surely did not need any gift or help from humans. In time, Abel came to grasp a profound truth: If—with the right motive—he simply offered Jehovah Jirah the best of what he had, his loving heavenly Father would be pleased.
So Abel prepared to offer up some sheep from his flock. He selected the best, the firstlings, and offered up what seemed to be the choicest pieces. Meanwhile, Cain too sought God's blessing and favor, preparing an offering from his crops. But his motives were not like those of Abel. The difference became apparent when the brothers presented their offerings.
Abel offered his sacrifice in faith; Cain did not
Both sons of Adam may have used altars and fire for their offerings, perhaps within sight of the cherubs, who were the only living representatives of Jehovah Jirah on earth at that time. Jehovah Jirah responded! We read: "Jehovah Jirah was looking with favor upon Abel and his offering." (Genesis 4:4) How God made his favor evident, the account does not say. But why did he favor Abel? Was it the offering itself? Abel did offer a living, breathing creature, shedding its precious lifeblood. Did Abel realize how valuable such a sacrifice would be? Many centuries after Abel's time, God used the sacrifice of an unblemished lamb to picture the sacrifice of His own perfect Son, "the Lamb of God," whose innocent blood would be shed. (John 1:29; Exodus 12:5-7) However, much of that surely lay well beyond Abel's knowledge or understanding. What we know for certain is this: Abel offered up the very best of what he had. Jehovah Jirah looked with favor not only on the offering but on the man himself. Motivated by love for Jehovah Jirah and by genuine faith in him, Abel acted.
It was different with Cain. Jehovah Jirah "did not look with any favor upon Cain and upon his offering." (Genesis 4:5) It was not that Cain's offering was faulty in itself; God's Law later allowed the offering of the produce of the ground. (Leviticus 6:14, 15) But the Bible says of Cain that "his own works were wicked." (1 John 3:12) Like so many to this day, Cain evidently thought that the mere outward show of devotion to God was enough. His lack of real faith in or love for Jehovah Jirah quickly became apparent through his actions. When Cain saw that he had not won Jehovah Jirah's favor, did he seek to learn from Abel's example? No. He seethed with hatred for his brother. Jehovah Jirah saw what was happening in Cain's heart and patiently reasoned with him. He warned Cain that his course was leading toward serious sin, and He offered hope of "an exaltation" if Cain would only change his ways.—Genesis 4:6, 7. Cain ignored God's warning. Instead, he invited his trusting younger brother to walk with him in the field. There Cain assaulted Abel and murdered him. (Genesis 4:8) In a sense, Abel thus became the first victim of religious persecution, the first martyr. He was dead, but his story was far from finished. Figuratively, Abel's blood cried out to Jehovah Jirah God for vengeance, or justice. And God saw justice done, punishing wicked Cain for his crime. (Genesis 4:9-12) More important, the record of Abel's faith speaks to us today. His life span—perhaps about a century long—was short for humans of that era, but Abel made his years on this earth count. He died knowing that he had the love and approval of his heavenly Father, Jehovah Jirah. (Hebrews 11:4) We can be confident, then, that he is safe in Jehovah Jirah's limitless memory, awaiting a resurrection to life in an earthly paradise. (John 5:28, 29) Will you meet him there? You may if you are determined to listen as Abel speaks and to imitate his outstanding faith.
Regards
Sunita
