Saturday, 13 April 2013
…who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” Romans 4:18
Hope is defined as a want or expectation of something, particularly when the thing seems likely or possible. Contrary to this premise, Abraham “in hope believed.” In other words, Abraham placed his hope in something that wasn’t likely and which was seemingly impossible. His wife was beyond the age of bearing and yet he accepted God at His word. This is specifically referring to Genesis 15:5 –
“Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.'”
The faith of Abraham wasn’t misdirected faith even though the promise was otherwise unlikely. The reason is that it is “God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” If the One speaking to Abraham is truly the Creator, then the word spoken from Him, even if it seems impossible to us, is actually more than probable (Matthew 19:26).
The word from God when properly handled contains the surest guarantee of all.
Life application: When reading the Bible, you are reading the very word of God to you. Its promises are guaranteed and what it states is absolute truth. But be careful to rightly apply it and to keep its words in proper context. One cannot claim promises to which they are not entitled. Through right interpretation, we will be built up in our faith and not disappointed when misdirected hopes are dashed.
Lord God, when I consider Your word, I realize that what it contains is no less certain and true than the principles of science or mathematics. Your word stems from who You are and therefore it must be absolute truth. Help me to accept its precepts and to never diminish them for the sake of tolerance, convenience, or to be socially acceptable. Amen.