Paul makes an interesting point in Romans as he continues his introduction to the people in Rome that he hopes to visit. Paul has gone back to Abraham and reminded them that Abraham believed God’s promises before the Mosaic Law was given and before the covenant of circumcision. At that point Abraham was no different than the “Gentiles” or we might say heathens. In fact, he is no different from all people. Paul has spent several chapters pointing to faith. Salvation is a gift from God received through faith in his promises and thus for all people. Paul now makes another interesting point.
Abraham had children by several women. He first bore Ishmael by Hagar, Sarah’s maid. He bore Isaac by Sarah. After Sarah died Genesis 25 tells us Abraham took another wife, Keturah, and had six more sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. And so we sing, “Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had father Abraham.”
Paul points out that being of the bloodline of Abraham does not necessarily guarantee salvation. All along Abraham had many sons but it was only people of the promise, who believe that are included in the covenant. This issue of family lines is becoming more common to us these days as blended families are becoming very common. Many know the pain of family “discussions” over who gets what of the inheritance. We often hear of hurt feels and accusations of “unfair.”
So what do we take away from this today? Perhaps the concept of “family” is different in the kingdom of heaven than here in the kingdom of this world. We are spiritually related to a host of people we do not feel required to give Christmas gifts to and with whom we may fight just as openly as we do with our blood siblings. Our spiritual family though is a body where Christ is the head and where we all serve a purpose and is called to work together.
Let’s take a moment today and think of a friend who is not our biological sibling but who has blessed us. Let us thank God for that person and pray a blessing for that person …or… think of a way to express your appreciation.
On the Way to Wonder 