========================================================================
  ABEL WAS A KEEPER OF SHEEP
  by C.H. Spurgeon
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon highlights the significance of Abel as a type of
Christ, emphasizing the importance of his sacrifice and the peace that
it brings.

Topics: "The Good Shepherd", "Sacrifice"
Scripture References: Genesis 4:4

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of Abel as a shepherd who
sanctified his work to glorify God through his sacrificial offering,
which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Abel's role as
both shepherd and priest illustrates the deep connection between his
sacrifice and Christ's, highlighting the hatred he faced from his
brother Cain, akin to the enmity Jesus experienced from mankind. The
sermon reflects on the power of Abel's blood, which speaks of mercy
rather than vengeance, and the peace that the blood of Jesus brings to
believers. Spurgeon calls the congregation to recognize Jesus as the
ultimate Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, encouraging
them to bless Him for His sacrifice. Ultimately, Abel serves as a type
of Christ, reminding us of the profound love and grace found in the
blood of the Lamb.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a shepherd Abel sanctified his work to the glory of God, and offered
a sacrifice of blood upon his altar, and the Lord had respect unto Abel
and his offering. This early type of our Lord is exceedingly clear and
distinct. Like the first streak of light which tinges the east at
sunrise, it does not reveal everything, but it clearly manifests the
great fact that the sun is coming. As we see Abel, a shepherd and yet a
priest, offering a sacrifice of sweet smell unto God, we discern our
Lord, who brings before His Father a sacrifice to which Jehovah ever
hath respect.

Abel was hated by his brother--hated without a cause; and even so was
the Saviour: the natural and carnal man hated the accepted man in whom
the Spirit of grace was found, and rested not until his blood had been
shed. Abel fell, and sprinkled his altar and sacrifice with his own
blood, and therein sets forth the Lord Jesus slain by the enmity of man
while serving as a priest before the Lord. "The good Shepherd layeth
down His life for the sheep." Let us weep over Him as we view Him slain
by the hatred of mankind, staining the horns of His altar with His own
blood.

Abel's blood speaketh. "The Lord said unto Cain, 'The voice of thy
brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground.'" The blood of Jesus
hath a mighty tongue, and the import of its prevailing cry is not
vengeance but mercy. It is precious beyond all preciousness to stand at
the altar of our good Shepherd! to see Him bleeding there as the
slaughtered priest, and then to hear His blood speaking peace to all His
flock, peace in our conscience, peace between Jew and Gentile, peace
between man and his offended Maker, peace all down the ages of eternity
for blood-washed men.

Abel is the first shepherd in order of time, but our hearts shall ever
place Jesus first in order of excellence. Thou great Keeper of the
sheep, we the people of Thy pasture bless Thee with our whole hearts
when we see Thee slain for us.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/abel-was-a-keeper-of-sheep/
========================================================================