JAMES 2:21-24 ACTS OF FAITH

21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Our faith is “made complete” by what we do. Although faith and works are partners in the Christian life, faith is the dominant partner. Faith comes first and is the motivation for the validating works. Abraham believed in God and his promise to give him many descendants through his son Isaac. He also trusted that God would make good on his promise regardless of contradictory evidence before him. After all, had not he in his old age sired a son through the barren womb of his aged wife? From a human perspective it was an absurd request and a painful test, but through the eyes of faith Abraham knew that God would be faithful. Even if God had to re-make Isaac to fulfill his promise, it would be done.

Did God need Abraham to act in order to know his faith? Of course not. But Abraham and his descendants did and do need some tangible measure of our faith. It is one thing to proclaim that God is sovereign and good, and quite another thing to live in such a manner that turns total control of our lives over to him. Every day we are presented with challenges that test our faith. Daily we make decisions in our conversations and interactions based on the effect they might have on our lives with respect to those around us. Do we minimize or hide our beliefs so that we do not offend others and thereby jeopardize our relationship with them? Do we compromise the Gospel message in order to make it more attractive to our neighbors? Do we remain silent on ethical issues so that we will not be branded as mean-spirited by those who practice or support such actions and life-styles? These are all situations in which we are being called to sacrifice our “Isaac”.

The measure of our faith is the limit to which we will allow God to work in and through us to fulfill his promise of reconciliation…in spite of the evidence around us. Faith is a free gift from God, but it is costly. The good news is that the ultimate cost has been fully paid by God.

Father, I aspire to be a person of faith like your servant Abraham. As his spiritual descendent may I learn to choose your way rather than the way of the world and live my life in dependence upon your promises even in the face of apparent contradictory evidence. As you patiently dealt with Abraham, grow me into a person of faith according to your will. Strengthen me to face the challenges of these days in a manner that will bring glory to you. Amen.