Meditations Upon Faith - Romans 4:16-24 - Part Four

 

Meditations Upon Faith – Romans 4:16-24 - Part Four

 

Paul states Abraham is “fully persuaded” of God’s ability to accomplish anything He promises. There is not a particle of dust of doubt or unbelief in the crevices of Abraham’s mind. Equally, he does not store any reservations or apprehensions about whether God can or will accomplish His Word. In his “heart of hearts,” Abrahams unreservedly certifies God’s integrity. In the cellar of Abraham’s psyche, he does not store any negative concepts or limitations about God’s willingness and ability to provide His promises. In unity and uniformity, Abraham’s heart, mind, soul and strength concur that God will fulfill His promise that Abraham will have a natural heir. Abraham will become the father of many nations whose numbers will equate with the stars in the sky and grains of sand on the seashore. Being “fully persuaded” literally means being “carried to fullness.” In practical terms, Abraham affirms God’s willingness to perform what He promises to the ultimate possible extent, degree or measurement. Abraham does not vacillate; nor does he entertain an iota of suspicion, doubt or reluctance to believe God. The enduring relationship that Abraham enjoys with God carries him to the fullness of genuine hope and trust in God.

 

The eighteenth chapter of Genesis depicts a very close and significant relationship between Abraham and God. Some biblical scholars refer to Abraham as a friend of God. On the eve of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord asks, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” God interestingly honors Abraham as His chosen servant who will demonstrate to his people and other nations how to live in right relationship with the “One, True God.” All nations of the world will be blessed through Abraham’s faith, obedience and example. More fascinatingly, Almighty God, the Creator of the universe and Maker of all that is seen and unseen, within His sovereign prerogative and providential will, decides to reveal to Abraham the pending desolation of two wicked and diabolical cities. Please note that the text states that there has been a great outcry against these twin cities because of their grievous sin. That notation alludes to the power of persistent prayer. Some people within the vicinity of those towns appealed to Almighty God to rectify the colossal sin and wickedness of those towns. Intercessory prayer is a legitimate response to social dilemmas such unbridled crime, rampant drug activity, rise in murder rates, increasing suicides and indifference of political leaders to suffering of poor, vulnerable and marginalized people. Parenthetically, I hasten to add the condemnation of Sodom and Gomorrah is not due to sexuality and its diverse and legitimate iterations, preferences and expressions. It is necessary to delve more deeply into the language and meaning of the succeeding verses and chapters. A more extensive exploration of that component of the text exceeds the purpose and intention of this reflection. Nevertheless, God shares His plans with Abraham who responds by immediately interceding on behalf of the people in those cities. God graciously reveals His intentions, purposes and will to disciples who maintain a right relationship with Him. Friends often and regularly share confidential and secret information with each other. Disciples who become friends of God equally will become recipients of inside divine information.

 

The years of Abraham’s relationship with God witness his maturing faith wherein He unconditionally trusts God. Abraham learns to rebuff the “Hows” and “Whys.” He does not allow science and nature to limit God’s ability. The text records Abraham’s reasonable question about the possibility of pregnancy given his advanced age and that of his wife, Sarah. Notwithstanding that reality, Abraham relies upon God’s character and Word. He resolves that God will fulfill His promise despite any circumstances. Abraham does not need to know the means and methods. He unfalteringly meditates upon God’s faithfulness. Abrahm’s relationship with God perfects his faith and empowers him to trust God even in the most difficult and challenging situation.

 

Abraham’s belief earns him a divine commendation. Paul concludes that Abraham’s faith earns him the distinction, “credited to him as righteousness.”  This description indicates legal language. Centuries after Abraham lived, members of the Sanhedrin, the predominant council of religious leaders in Israel including Pharisees and Sadducees, appealed to the black letters of the Law to establish righteousness. To justify themselves before God and the people, they split hairs and divide atomic particles. Incredulously, they construct a hedge around the Law to ensure that they would not violate it. If the Law allowed forty lashes in delving out punishment, they ordered disciplinarians to stop at thirty-nine licks. Technically, they remained righteous as they did not violate the Law. This pretentious righteousness offends God’s holy, righteous and gracious character.