What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
A very familiar passage but have we ever stopped to think about the meaning of the statement "Abraham believed God?" It was that Abraham obeyed God, completely and explicitly obeyed God. He set out to obey the commandment of God to sacrifice his son, even though that appeared to be in complete negation of God's promise to provide descendants beyond counting and to bless all the nations of the world through his seed. He trusted in God to accomplish His promises even though the path to fulfillment was to be destroyed in Abraham's eyes.. Through his actions, he demonstrated his trust in God. Obedience!
Today's readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 57
Mid-day: 119:33-40
Evening: Psalm 133
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
