We see Paul working through the question of why was Abraham’s faith counted to him as righteousness.
As we read we see that there is a clear differentiation of the reward of works and that of faith.
How many times have we thought that we, deserve something, anything from God - simply because of the outer works that we perform.
Paul speaks of the law (what they were being measured by) being the root for the works that they performed. But faith in God alone was what was being counted as righteousness - not how well they followed the law.
I’m particularly drawn to the question of WHEN! When was it that Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, was it after he was circumcised? After there was a clear mark, a clear change in him, an outward expression of his following g and trust in God ? Or was it before then?
Paul tells us it was the later. It was when Abraham believed, regardless of all the possible, clear and evident reasons one might not. Abraham knew he was “good as dead in his body” he was 100 years old! He knew his wife, was barren - and yet he believed the Promises of God - that he would be the father of a great nation.
Thoughts:
Do I have faith to believe in the face of all that would make it crazy otherwise? Do I take God at his word? Do I believe his promises? If so, do I live a life as if I do?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to have the kind of faith that would be counted as righteousness to me - help me believe and have faith that the promises you have spoken are for me. Remind me Lord, when difficulties come, to trust in your words and not my abilities, help me recognize that all I deserve is death but you have given me life.