Genesis 15:1–6—
Faith is accounted as righteousness
The theme of the three readings builds around the idea
of faith. The Epistle lesson (Hebrews 11:1-16) is an excellent commentary on
the faith of Abraham. Here is found the explanation of his faith, namely “faith
is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” The
promises of the Lord to His servant were certainly hoped for at the time of the
Old Testament reading. The Gospel lesson (Luke 12:32-40) echoes the Lord’s
words to Abraham, “Do not be afraid.” The reading goes on to stress that we
should be watchful in our world.
Abraham was an old man, and his wife both barren and
well beyond child-bearing years. Yet the Lord promised to Abraham that he would
be father to many descendants, too numerous to count. If this promise had been
made by a mere man, it would be utter nonsense, foolish and unthinkable. But
the promise of a great nation coming from Abraham was not made by any man, but
by the Creator of the earth, the universe, and all things, the Almighty God.
Abraham’s response was one of faith: he trusted the Word of the Lord, and the
Lord counted him righteous because of it. Likewise, when we trust in the Word
of the Lord—specifically, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, slain and
raised again for our salvation—then we, too are counted righteous by the Lord.
Abraham believed God’s promise that he would have a son and heir. It is difficult for many to understand the good news that faith alone gets one in right relations with God. It seems too easy; only believe. Some insist upon working in cooperation with God while others think they can make themselves approved of God. In our lesson for today we have one of the earliest witnesses to the central theme of the Bible; that man is saved by grace alone. Abraham’s faith was reckoned as righteousness. That is, he was in right relations with God by virtue of faith. Faith is sufficient to get right with God.
Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because
of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that,
believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your
Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally
come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. [2]
Amen
[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Prayer for a steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Collect for Wednesday of the week of Pentecost 9, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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