Voices from the Grave

 "By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God spoke well of his offering. And by faith Abel speaks, even though he is dead."     Hebrews 11:4

    In front of our county courthouse, two statues flank the entrance. The man on the right has a kind, relaxed demeanor, hands gently resting by his side. In contrast, the composure of the man on the left is tense and glowering with a furrowed brow and a clenched fist behind his back. These are the brothers Cain and Abel, representing the first murder in the history of mankind. 

    Both of these men's actions speak from the grave all these centuries later. In their biblical account, though both men had offered a sacrifice to the Lord, Abel had done so with a glad and generous heart. Cain, clouded by envy, reacted in anger against his brother, leaving his murderous mark on the world.

    Our heart's perceptions have an immortal quality. Long after I am laid to rest, will my voice from the grave speak of my faith in God? Or will I be remembered for my sins?

"God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7