Rochester, MN UCC - "Descendants of Abraham" - Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17

One of the most popular songs at church camps and Vacation Bible Schools is called “Father Abraham.” The lyrics go, “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.” Because the song also includes a whole host of silly actions and dances, you’d be forgiven for not noticing the depth of the theological point being made by the lyrics. Yet claiming Abraham as your ancestor is most definitely making a theological point about God and about yourself.

 In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul argues that Abraham was saved not through works, through his adherence to the law, but rather through his faith- his trust in God. In quoting Genesis, 15: 6, Paul points out that it was before he was circumcised- a work of adherence to the law- that Abraham was justified by God, “"Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." The decisive moment in his life, the moment when God chose, blessed, and justified Abraham came not through any work that he had done, rather it came simply through his faith- his trusting in God’s promise. Abraham did nothing to merit this justification, he merely received it as a free gift.

 Paul then goes on to claim that the descendants of Abraham are not only those who follow the laws of Moses, but also any one with faith- anyone who trusts in God’s promise as Abraham did. So, the question before us is whether WE are children of Abraham. Do we believe that there is nothing we can do to earn the love of God? Do we believe that God freely chooses to love us even when we fall short? Do we believe that we are reconciled to God simply by trusting in God’s grace and love for us? Do we believe these things not just in general, but do we believe them about ourselves specifically? If we do, then according to Paul, we are descendants of Abraham through faith- we are forgiven, we are justified, and we are loved. The promise made to Abraham, the promise that he would be a blessing to many nations, is fulfilled through our lives of faith in Jesus Christ. May we each pray for the faith to claim Abraham as our ancestor- the faith to trust in God’s grace, love, and guidance. Amen.

 Pastor Andrew Greenhaw