His Faith Was Reckoned to Him as Righteousness

This meditation is based on a passage for March 29, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 4:13-25

Reflection and Question: Throughout Romans, Paul is navigating treacherous waters in his desire to hold the Jews and the Gentiles together in a community of faith in Jesus Christ. This passage expounds on Genesis 15:6 and tells us that “he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” Paul offers Abraham’s faith as the model for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul’s point holds as much today as it did when he dictated these words. Faith, not works, connects us to the love of God. Where have you seen the church fall back into reckoning our righteousness by works, not faith?

Prayer: God of Sarah and Abraham, our parents in faith challenge us by their amazing faith in Your promise to them of generations of children when they were old and barren. Please find in us enough faith in us to reckon to us as righteousness. Amen.