MADE RIGHT IN FAITH
Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4, John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, Romans 4:13-17
Made Right in Faith
Christopher B. Harbin
Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
From birth, we long for comfort, security, and safety. We learn to explore only as we know that our needs will be met and we can explore in safety. We learn to avoid those things which bring pain, discomfort, or distress. We respond to words like "sharp" and "hot" from awareness that we will not enjoy experiences associated with those words. Comfort and security are ingrained priorities. How will we respond when faith beckons us beyond the known boundaries of comfort, security, and safety?
Abram didn't know where the faith journey would take him. Nicodemus understood nothing about being born again. Faith called them on a journey into uncharted territory. God called them to step into the unknown, untested, and untried as though walking in confidence. It was a scary prospect. Why should we assume that a faith journey with God would be any different for us?
Abram had a history, a heritage, a family, a place with ties of belonging. He was established in the region, having accumulated herds and flocks in abundance. He was known and commanded a degree of respect, authority, and deference. Beyond his ties to family, his wealth did not depend on an inheritance that he would someday receive. His father was established in his own right, and Abram stood on his own feet.
It was a comfortable living. Surrounded by a community that knew him and among whom he had influence, there were definite ties to bind him geographically. Remaining where he was would be the natural thing to do. There was no headhunter seeking to employ him elsewhere in a booming new industry. There was no university he needed to leave town to attend. He was not being recruited for the major leagues in some metropolis. He did not dream with Steve Fossett or Marco Polo of exploring new or exotic lands. Life was good, comfortable, safe, and secure. Then God stepped in.
"Abram, you're ...
Christopher B. Harbin
Genesis 12:1-4a; John 3:1-17; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
From birth, we long for comfort, security, and safety. We learn to explore only as we know that our needs will be met and we can explore in safety. We learn to avoid those things which bring pain, discomfort, or distress. We respond to words like "sharp" and "hot" from awareness that we will not enjoy experiences associated with those words. Comfort and security are ingrained priorities. How will we respond when faith beckons us beyond the known boundaries of comfort, security, and safety?
Abram didn't know where the faith journey would take him. Nicodemus understood nothing about being born again. Faith called them on a journey into uncharted territory. God called them to step into the unknown, untested, and untried as though walking in confidence. It was a scary prospect. Why should we assume that a faith journey with God would be any different for us?
Abram had a history, a heritage, a family, a place with ties of belonging. He was established in the region, having accumulated herds and flocks in abundance. He was known and commanded a degree of respect, authority, and deference. Beyond his ties to family, his wealth did not depend on an inheritance that he would someday receive. His father was established in his own right, and Abram stood on his own feet.
It was a comfortable living. Surrounded by a community that knew him and among whom he had influence, there were definite ties to bind him geographically. Remaining where he was would be the natural thing to do. There was no headhunter seeking to employ him elsewhere in a booming new industry. There was no university he needed to leave town to attend. He was not being recruited for the major leagues in some metropolis. He did not dream with Steve Fossett or Marco Polo of exploring new or exotic lands. Life was good, comfortable, safe, and secure. Then God stepped in.
"Abram, you're ...
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