Old Testament: Genesis 12:1-4a
Gospel: John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9
Epistle: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
Today is the second Sunday in Lent and thus we have just made it through the first full week of the Lenten fast. If you are like me, then you are feeling a little bit of the pain of giving something up. It's not like I am necessarily praying or reading the Bible every time I want to use my phone, but in feeling the impulse and then the denial, I am reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. In the little moments everyday, when I want to look at my phone and don't, I am also reminded of those all over the world who don't even have the basics of life, let alone a smart phone. I am reminded in the choice I make to fast, that some people don't have as many choices as I do. Our volunteer fast in the West, from sweets or meat let's say, can become a way for us to find solidarity and compassion for those all over the world who don't have the opportunities we do. The Lenten fast can mean many things of course, but this is just one of the ways I was reflecting on it over the course of this week.
Turning towards our passages this week we have what I consider to be one of the most important and profound passages in the Old Testament, that of Genesis 12. It is important because it deals with the calling of Abraham and thus the beginning of Israel as the people of God. And it is profound in what it says about humanity, God, and the relationship between the two.
First, let us consider the person of Abram, as he was called at this point. In the narrative of Genesis, Abram comes out of the blue. The narrative slows down in chapter 11, so we know we will focus on this generation of individuals, but Abram didn't do anything of note before chapter 12. In fact, this section starts with the words, "Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran..." (11:27) Abram is essentially a regular man for is age. Nothing stands out about him and in fact, the move from Ur towards Canaan is initiated by his father. However, in chapter 12 everything changes. This regular guy, living in Ur is called by Yahweh...and amazingly, he responds. Abram doesn't do anything to deserve the call, but through faith he responds positively.
The theme of the faith of Abraham is picked up by Paul to make the point that salvation is through faith rather than works or the Law. "Abraham believed God," Paul writes, quoting Gen. 15:6 "and it was credited to him as righteousness." (4:3) Abraham was ignorant of the Law, it hadn't been given yet, and he was uncircumcised. These two things for Jews summed up what it meant to be a Jew and thus a part of God's people. The argument Paul is making is that Gentiles, and indeed Jews as well, can be and indeed are only saved by faith, just like Father Abraham. This has been what God has been up to all along. Paul is saying that he isn't teaching a new doctrine, rather this is true to who God is and has been.
I think in talking about Abraham, I have answered the second point about God, humanity and the relationship between them. God is love and is reaching out to his creation. He is looking for people who will respond to him in faith and obedience. Second, humanity can't earn salvation. It is a fee gift from God. The gift flows one way, from God to his creation. Humanity then has to respond to the calling of God.
Just real briefly, if you don't understand John Wesley' doctrine of previent grace, read up on it, because it will explain how humanity is even able to respond affirmatively to God's conviction. God, through his Spirit, is already at work within us enabling us to do so. God is working in all of his creation wooing all things to Godself.
As you can tell, I love this passage from Genesis and find it fascinating. It takes on an even richer meaning when Paul picks up the same story. I don't have much application to mention this week. I think the implication is obvious, and thanks be to God that we don't have to try and earn God's favor. We would never be successful in living up the holy standard God's presence requires.
I hope this week you continue in your Lenten fast and drawing closer to the Father, in Christ, through his Spirit.
Grace and peace.
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