But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Did you ever learn the children’s song, Father Abraham? Or do you know this song? It was one of my favorites songs to sing in the children’s churches. In fact, it is still one of my favorites. I teach it to all the kids in my children’s church when given the opportunity. It goes like this: Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you So let’s all praise the Lord. The actions to this song were in verse I said we would be marching, then the right arm then the left, then the right leg, then the left leg then we would turn, nod our head and then sit down. Great song to get energy out of little bodies. I would go look up the song with actions on youtube so you really understand how wonderful this song is. In this week’s devotions, we will be going to the root of our walk with God.
Read Romans 4:1-5. What do these verses tell us about the basis of whether we are counted as righteous?
Father Abraham was a man that had a strong faith in God. He simply believed in God and God’s ways. God found favor with Abraham because of his faith. His character and conduct showed this. Abraham didn’t have a special relationship with God based on his actions, it was his faith that set him apart. Therefore, God made promises to Abraham. This is found in Genesis 12. This is known as the Abrahamic Covenant. Read Genesis 12:2-3. What do you learn about the word “bless” and where do we fit into these verses on “bless”?
We are part of the “all families” that will be blessed. Paul wanted the Roman church to understand that both the Jews and the Gentiles are part of this family unit. They are included when they have faith. Both groups are apart of Abraham’s family and heirs to the promise. Even today that promise is for you and for me and to our children. We just need faith as Abraham did.
Read Romans 4:6-12. Who was another person that Paul used to show hope in faith?
Let’s focus on Romans 4:7-8. Paul quotes Psalm 32:1-2, what did David do that prompted him to write this Psalm? King David was confessing and repenting to adultery and murder. He put his hope in his faith in God that God would forgive him and love him.
Both Abraham and David had a divine reckoning rather than human effort. Dig a little deeper on the word reckoning. What does it mean? Why is it important to understand it in this section?
We find our identity in God as his people. We show that faith with we refuse to put our hope in the humans’ actions, attitudes, and obedience. When we believe (faith) that God forgives us, loves us, and transform us, we are living the legacy of Abraham and David. What great examples for us!
Paul teaches these truths about faith to unify the Roman church. He wanted believers to understand that their faith brought the church together. This can still apply to the faith-based churches of today. When we see ourselves as spiritual children of Abraham, we learn that our believing means belonging. When we realize that we are apart of a bigger family, we realize that there is a bigger part then our own individual life. We are apart of God’s family.
Who has influenced you in your Christian walk? Sunday school teachers, ministers, youth leaders, children workers, etc. Are you an influencer for Christ?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Abraham and David. For their example of faith in you. I pray that we will be apart of your family and be unified with other believers. I pray that our character and conduct will shine of you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
