A review of the Bible shows that although Satan understood the prophecy given by the Lord against him in Genesis 3:15, Satan did not know from where the descendant of Eve would come. We know this descendant as the Anointed One, the Messiah, Jesus.

In his quest to nullify this prophecy against him, Satan sought to block this descendant first by attacking all of mankind. The result was the destruction of mankind, with the exception of Noah and his family, in the Great Flood. Satan’s efforts narrowed down, became more focused on God’s chosen people as more prophecy was given and information became available. When his efforts failed and the promised Messiah was born, Satan’s focus culminated with Herod murdering young children in Bethlehem. Of course, this effort was also unsuccessful.

When Jesus eventually went to the Cross, Satan thought that he had won, finally. But he did not know the Plan of God. He unwittingly cooperated in ushering in the Salvation long promised! Scripture tells us that none of the princes or rulers of this world knew, “for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (First Corinthians 2:8) While Satan, in his hatred, narrowed his attacks on mankind to stop the prophesied Messiah, the Lord, in His love for us, expanded His Grace to all mankind.

In contrast to Satan’s hatred, God’s Scripture tells us that Abel tended a flock. The word for flock, Hebrew tso’n (Strong’s H6629) means a group of small, wool-bearing animals (sheep and goats). In the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:2-5), Abel offered one lamb or goat for himself.

Just prior to their escape from Pharaoh, the Children of Israel received instructions for Passover, one young lamb or young goat (Hebrew seh – Strong’s H7716) was to be offered for a family. (Exodus 12:3) The progression of the Lord’s Grace became broader.

Then Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai. The instructions from the Lord for the Day of Atonement included, among others, the sacrifice of a young goat. This time the sacrifice was for the entire nation of Israel. The progression of the Lord’s Grace became even broader.

We know that Jesus is the Lamb of God. John the Baptist announced this in the first chapter of the Book of John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” This time, the Lamb was sacrificed for the entire world. Our gracious Heavenly Father expanded His Grace from a lamb for one man, to a family, to a nation, to the entire world.

Our Heavenly Father deserves all praise! Praise His name!