Romans 4:1-8
What then are we to say was gained by[a] Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed[b] God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. 6 So also David pronounces a blessing on those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.”
To people looking at our Christian faith practice, it might seem strange that we read and share the same stories over and over again. Think about your own faith journey. How many times have you heard the Noah story? The David and Goliath story? Most likely, like myself, you have heard these stories countless times. However, returning to these stories again and again we often hear new things and are continually reminded of the journey of our collective faith.
Paul returns to the story of Abraham as the biological beginning of our faith. Paul then reminds us about the source of our faith because it did not come from Abraham himself or anything in particular that Abraham did. The beginning of the story with Abraham was all because of what God did through him. God selected Abraham and called upon him not because he was perfect or had some particular talent, but merely called on Abraham to have faith. And, because of Abraham’s faith we see our shared faith grow and grow for countless generations. This is what God calls us toward as well. We aren’t called because we are special for God calls us all and in return God only asks us to have faith and trust. It is a simple, special story and worth repeating again and again.
Prayer
God of all generations, from Abraham to David to your son Jesus, you have called us throughout time. You call each of us to respond not with special talents or skills but merely with our faith and trust in you. Help us to remember your call in all that we do. Amen.