Our Scripture meditation is based on Romans 4:1-8, part of the Epistle Reading for next week, the Second Sunday in Lent. For a meditation on the Gospel Lesson, click HERE.
[1] What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? [2] For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. [3] For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” [4] Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. [5] And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, [6] just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: [7] “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; [8] blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
The season of Lent is focused on our relationships with God. Some of us give up something we value or enjoy as an act of penance. Others add a spiritual discipline to sharpen focus on God. The bottom line is that we’re intentional about spiritual practices during Lent.
The Apostle Paul would call these activities “works.” This raises the question: Do our works “appease” God? Or do our works “please” God?
Appeasement would suggest our works somehow earn forgiveness of sins and create our own righteousness. Paul shoots this down quickly. In verse two he states even the Jewish patriarch Abraham was not justified before God by works. Instead, ““Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (verse 3)
Jesus preformed all the works necessary for our salvation in his life, death, and resurrection. Even our faith in this work is a gift of God, not a work.
When our works are in a response to faith, then our works can be pleasing to God. As we’re told in Hebrews 13:16: Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 