Today’s WORD (Text) Romans 4:13-17
13/ For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14/ If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null, and the promise is void. 15/ For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. 16/ For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17/ as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
Today’s Witness
Paul centers Abraham’s faith in the promises of God. That one fact is the key to his status as the father of many nations. Abraham’s heirs do not inherit the world by virtue of either receiving the law or strict adherence to the law, nor genealogical entitlement. God’s promises in perpetuity transcend the particularity of a single nation, tribe, or legal interpretation. Faith in the promises of God is the foremost condition for inheriting the earth. Abraham’s lineage is defined here as “many nations.” Because Abraham believed in God, God granted righteousness to him, and will do so to all who believe in God’s promises in every generation. The promise of God is still in force, and all who have faith today that God raised Jesus from the dead are also heirs of the promises of God (Romans 4:24-25).
Today’s Invitation
How have you traditionally understood Abraham’s descendants? Who all is entitled to that designation? Reflect on the implications of Paul’s interpretation on Christian faith-sharing throughout the world.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, we thank you that we are called to be your children. Thank you for the status you grant to all who believe in your promises. Thank you for you are no respecter of persons, and your promises do not discriminate based on national origin, tribe, or genealogy. Thank you for you so loved the world that you gave Jesus, so that all who believe in Him become co-heirs of the promises with Him. Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Today’s WORD (Text) Romans 4:13-17
13/ For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14/ If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null, and the promise is void. 15/ For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. 16/ For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, 17/ as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
Today’s Witness
Paul centers Abraham’s faith in the promises of God. That one fact is the key to his status as the father of many nations. Abraham’s heirs do not inherit the world by virtue of either receiving the law or strict adherence to the law, nor genealogical entitlement. God’s promises in perpetuity transcend the particularity of a single nation, tribe, or legal interpretation. Faith in the promises of God is the foremost condition for inheriting the earth. Abraham’s lineage is defined here as “many nations.” Because Abraham believed in God, God granted righteousness to him, and will do so to all who believe in God’s promises in every generation. The promise of God is still in force, and all who have faith today that God raised Jesus from the dead are also heirs of the promises of God (Romans 4:24-25).
Today’s Invitation
How have you traditionally understood Abraham’s descendants? Who all is entitled to that designation? Reflect on the implications of Paul’s interpretation on Christian faith-sharing throughout the world.
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, we thank you that we are called to be your children. Thank you for the status you grant to all who believe in your promises. Thank you for you are no respecter of persons, and your promises do not discriminate based on national origin, tribe, or genealogy. Thank you for you so loved the world that you gave Jesus, so that all who believe in Him become co-heirs of the promises with Him. Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.