Abraham has won his undying fame not because of any “work” which he did, but because he believed that something that was obviously “dead” would live immediately (pre-day-of-resurrection) because of the promise of the Lord. And that was his “dead” sexual powers to sire offspring.
“Abraham believed God, and it [his faith] was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:3).
But what was it that he believed?
“Against hope [he] believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be” (vs. 18).
The normal unbelief of all mankind (in the face of God’s promise) ridiculed the idea that anyone as old as he was could function sexually and sire offspring; he was “dead.”
But God had said “I have made thee a father of many nations,” past-present tense. It’s already been done! (vs. 17). Nothing physical “told” Abraham that it was true; he had nothing to depend on except the naked promise of God which unbelief said was foolhardy. But chose to believe!
It was an effort of choice that Abraham made to believe what God had said when everything looked impossible.
And not only was Abraham called to believe that his own “dead” body could sire offspring; there was “the deadness of Sarah’s womb”(vs. 19) to be confronted. Abraham had to believe for himself and then he also had to believe for her! “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (vs. 20).
The entire unfallen universe marveled at his faith and glorified God because of it. They rejoiced that now it was proven for all to see, that fallen, sinful, naturally unbelieving man, can overcome and can think and believe in harmony with the mind of God.
The salvation of the fallen human race was assured now!
I’d like to be there when the resurrected Adam meets the Life-giver, and I would like to hear the Lord Jesus tell him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
You too, want to learn to believe the promises the Lord makes to you!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
