Faith and Fulfillment

Read Romans 4:13-25

In today’s text Paul is writing to the church in Rome about God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah. I must admit after having read the text from Genesis and writing about Abraham’s initial reaction, Paul seems to be “spinning” the story just a bit. In verse 19 Paul suggests that Abraham never doubted for a moment that an old man and an old woman could become parents of their own child. We know from reading the story in Genesis that there was some doubt.

Preacher’s have been known to live by the saying never let the truth get in the way of a good story! However, this is not what Paul is doing. The reality is that Abraham and Sarah, despite their doubts, kept their faith. And, they were rewarded. Paul’s argument is compelling because he can show that God maintained the covenant. God indeed did make of Abraham and Sarah the parents of all creation.

As the church in Rome is growing, Paul understands how important it is for these early Christian to increase their faith and be assured of salvation through Christ. What better way than to show how God keeps promises.

Prayer: O God, remind us of your covenant, your love and your grace. Amen

Charles Z. Gardner