How often do we also question God, based on our wisdom or reason?
During one of our Wednesday evening Lenten services, our Bible study focused on this passage…
Genesis 15:1-6 1After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3And Abram said, “You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.” 4But the word of the Lord came to him, “This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.” 5He brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.
Two themes revealed themselves to us that night: first, God’s promise made to Abraham; and second, Abraham’s response and faith in that promise.
Lent offers a special time in the church year to focus our thoughts on God’s promises as well as how we respond.
This season is an opportunity to reflect on how Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection fulfill those promises first made long ago to Adam and Eve. Lent also invites us to reflect on repentance—whether and how our actions reflect a willingness to act differently in our relationship to God and neighbor.
We also noted Abraham’s initial response to the promise God made—that he and Sarah would, even at their advanced ages as a childless couple, produce a great nation. Abraham questioned and expressed doubt to God, since logically it didn’t seem possible.
How often do we also question God, based on our “wisdom” or “reason”?
Probably quite often, right? But we know too that God is faithful and just. With the gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit, we too can trust, reassured of God’s grace and that God does provide.
As we approach Holy Week and Easter Sunday, may the words of scripture lift your spirits, knowing that despite life’s daily toils and snares, our journey to the cross is leading us to the great reward of new life through Jesus Christ.