Lent

February 26, 2021

Scripture Reading:
Romans 4:13-25

Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith ‘was reckoned to him as righteousness.’ Now the words, ‘it was reckoned to him’, were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. –Romans 4:18-25

Have you ever had to justify some behavior? We all have, I am sure. I love the Family Circle cartoon with the little ghost character named Not Me. When I read the word justification, I consider it in terms of explaining myself. Paul uses justification in a reactive sense. Jesus died for our sins but was raised for our justification. Now, why would Jesus do that if our sins have been forgiven and no longer hang over our heads?

Jesus could have died on the cross for our sins, and they would have been forgiven, and he would still be dead. Think of the soldier who throws himself on a land mine to save his fellow soldiers. We may give him a metal and honor his grave on Memorial Day, but the sacrifice is permanent. Jesus was raised to empower us to continue his work, and justification is the means of recognizing our worth in carrying out such an incredible task. Such justification is an act of grace based on faith.

I am a basketball fan and love hearing the coach’s and players’ interviews after the game. If they lose, they express remorse and begin the conversation about what they need to do better. If they win, coaches and players alike say, we were just doing our jobs. Any player recognized for outstanding effort usually says something to the effect that their teammates made their success happen. Once we made Jesus’ team, we are expected to work hard, grow in spirit and truth, and practice quality teamwork with our fellow Christ-followers.

Prayer: God of Mercy, thank you for calling us to your service and justifying our right to serve you. Strengthen our faith for this journey. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.