Romans 4:18-25
18 Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), and the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 Therefore “it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 23 Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone 24 but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was handed over for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.
When I was child, an elderly person seemed so incredibly old. I remember spending time with my grandparents as they would talk about dirt roads, how much a hamburger or gallon of gas cost, and memories of listening to the radio as a family. The older that I get advanced age seems less and less far away. I find myself telling stories from my childhood of how technology has changed like how I remember 8 tracks, bought cassette tapes, remember when CDs began only to now be completely replaced with digital music. My own place in time will seem so young to so many! I think how primitive I feel compared to the age of my own children who don’t know a world without Wi-Fi or a 24-7 drive thru. And, as a child I remember thinking forward and imagining cars that could fly and living in colonies on other planets as a real possibility for my own future.
As we continue to read Paul’s recollection of the Abraham story, we are reminded of Abraham and Sarah’s advanced age when they became parents. This is yet another reason why this story resonates so much with us because it made the impossible possible. None of us know how the future will turn out or what God has in store for any of us. We live in mystery every day of what our day let alone our future will be. And yet through faith we are reminded that with God all things are possible just like in the story of Abraham and Sarah. We never know where the blessings will come and our role is to keep watch for how God is moving in our lives.
Prayer
God of all time and space, we thank you for the gift of life. We are reminded in the story of Abraham and Sarah that all things are possible. Help us to trust in you and to see the boundless grace take shape in your time and space. In Jesus Name, Amen.