Monday 15 April 2024
For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. (v. 13)
Background
The story of God’s work to restore right relationship with creation starts with Abraham. After the growing chaos of the first 11 chapters of Genesis, God takes steps to put things right, by calling Abraham to leave his home and begin the life of a nomad, seeking the land of God’s promise. For this reason, Abraham is at the centre of the big family of God’s people and belonging to this family is regularly expressed as being descended from Abraham.
Paul expands this sense of belonging to Abraham by including Gentiles (non-Jews) as well as Jews. How does he do this? Here, he is reflecting on the sequence of God’s dealings with Abraham. The order of events is central to his thinking. First, God makes a promise to Abraham: he will receive land; his descendants will be a great nation; and in him, all the families of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3).
There is just one problem. Abraham is old, his wife Sarah is old, and they have no children. How can this promise of descendants come true? Paul focuses on words from Genesis 15:6: Abraham believed the Lord, and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness (see v. 22). All that Abraham did in obedience to God came later (eg Genesis 17:9-14) and was a consequence of this first step of belief. The breakthrough moment in his relationship with God came in this acceptance, flowing from grace, rooted in faith and belief, that God would fulfil the promise, even though Abraham had no idea how this could possibly happen.
Who are the heirs of God’s promise to Abraham? John the Baptist argues with the Jewish leaders who want to restrict the identity of Abraham’s children (Matthew 3:9), and Paul develops this wide focus. Abraham’s heirs are not only those who can claim physical descent, but also Gentiles who share Abraham’s commitment by believing in God’s promise of new life and blessing in Christ. Whatever work for the Lord follows from this is secondary, just as Abraham’s obedience was secondary to his faith. So, says Paul, Jesus’ disciples are saved by faith and not by works; the way we live and the choices we make are shaped by our allegiance to God and our belief in the promises made real in Jesus.
To Ponder:
- Paul saw Abraham as the ancestor of all God’s people Who are your ancestors? Are there people you think of as ancestors in faith, whose lives have shaped your way of following Jesus?
- How far do you think the church has the right balance between attending to God’s promise and doing God’s will?
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to trust your promises even when it’s hard. Give us Abraham’s faith that you will sustain our life in Christ and show us how to make good choices for our life in light of our belief in you. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
Caroline currently serves as Superintendent for the Manchester Circuit. She has previously worked in theological education in the UK and overseas, mainly teaching biblical studies, and enjoys exploring the ways in which theological studies interact with life in the circuit.