Good Wednesday morning Mountain Park Family! During this season of Lent we are asked to take a journey, to examine the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, and to take an accounting or our own life and ministry. The Gospel readings of the season recount the daily movements of Christ, while the Epistle readings connect our faith to the early teachings of the Church and the lives of the faithful. Sunday, February 28 pairs Mark 8: 31-38 with Romans 4:13-25.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus explained to his disciples that soon he will be killed but will rise in three days. He rebukes Peter’s doubtful response. Then Jesus spoke to a crowd and explained the meaning of discipleship. (See more on this passage in the Discipleship Guide.)
In the Romans passage we read of Abraham and the promises God made to him. Abraham is a fascinating character to study. He is the archetype (great example) of faith to the human race. Read the Romans passage with me:
Romans 4:13-25 (New International Version)
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”(Genesis 17:5) He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”(Genesis 15:5) 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Here we see Abraham obeyed God. Abraham’s obedience / trust / faith is counted as righteousness. James 2:23 refers to Abraham’s faith as “righteousness” also and calls Abraham a “friend of God.” WHAT A TITLE.!! I would love to be called a friend of God - wouldn’t you too?! It is clear that God desires our faith, our obedience, and our trust in Him.
Steps. Baby steps. Big steps. What kind of “steps” is God calling you to take to be aligned with His mission? Are you experiencing unease about some status quo part of your life; feeling an urgency to be or do or move for Him? Listen. Pray. Sing. Seek counsel. Find the next “steps” God is calling you to in your faith journey.
Prayer: Father, You give us amazing examples of what faith looks like. Help me to be faithful, to listen to You in all decisions I make. Help my faith-journey to bring Your kingdom in me. Amen.
-Rev. Mike Owenby
Discipleship Guide
THURSDAY (2/25)
Read Mark 8:31-38. Contemplate, then pray. Are there “human concerns” that keep me from focusing fully on God’s will in my life (verse 33)?
FRIDAY (2/26)
Re-read Mark 8:31-38. Sometimes, Jesus’ message is spoken in paradox (win/lose, lose/find). Contemplate, then pray, answering: How am I giving my life to Jesus and the gospel?
SATURDAY (2/27)
Re-read Romans 4:13-25. The theme of the Old Testament could be summed up in Isaac’s words in Genesis 22:7, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb?” John 1:29 answers from the New Testament, “Look, the lamb…who takes away the sins of the world!” Contemplate, then pray: Am I passing the test of faith? What might be helpful to fortify my faith?
SUNDAY (2/28)
Re-read Romans 4:13-25. God made promises to Abraham. Abraham was old. God was faithful at every point. Contemplate, then pray: Are there accomplishments I expect God to complete in me?
MONDAY (3/1)
Re-read Romans 4:13-25. Abraham was a very special archetype (example). As New Testament believers, we have/know Jesus as Savior. Contemplate, then pray: How do I show gratitude for salvation through the grace and love of Jesus’ sacrifice?
TUESDAY (3/2)
The delay that occurs between God revealing something to us and the lapse in time before it’s fruition can be one of the greatest tests of our faith. We operate on “our” time, God does not. Trouble comes when we attempt to speed up God’s plans. James 1:3-4 says, “…the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Contemplate a time when something long-hoped-for occurred in “God’s timing.” God’s timing effects the right people in the right way for His perfect outcome. Contemplate, then pray: When have my actions and my attitude been at one with God’s spirit? Or, When have I experienced God’s peace in a long-term tense situation?