Advent Devotions: Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Hebrews 11:8-22                                                            Abraham’s Faith

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

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“By faith… he set out, not knowing where he was going.”  By faith.  Trust.  Blind trust.  God said go, and Abraham went.  Simple as that.  Yet so incredible.  Can you imagine yourself being that vulnerable?  How often have you surrendered yourself so completely to God’s will?  Our relentless tendency, our human nature is to trust in the things we can see, touch, hear, hold, deposit, accumulate… and… perhaps, simultaneously, express some level of faith in our Lord.  We live in a constant battle between human inclinations and divine inspiration.  It is important to remember “faith” is not something we possess or manage or control… it is a gift.  It is not about trying harder, hoping to “do better.”  Faith is pure gift from God.  To believe in God, to trust in our Lord is the work of the Holy Spirit in and among us. 

Abraham, like so many saints who have gone before us are reminders… witnesses… that despite our human faults and failings, our fears and reluctance to give up control to God in our lives, it is God who remains faithful to us.  It is God who keeps God’s promises.  Hearing again how God said to Abraham: “go, and [Abraham] set out, not knowing where he was going” is less about Abraham doing an extraordinary thing… and more about God’s unyielding work in this world to bring about Resurrection hope. 

A few years ago, our congregation (Gustavus Adolphus, NYC) was host for the Syracuse University Choir.  About 40 college students stood in the balcony, encircling the entire sanctuary.  With the most beautiful blend of harmonic voices, they sang a stirring song about faith with these lyrics (check it out on YouTube):

“I believe in the sun even when it is not shining
And I believe in love, even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God, even when he is silent.”

The author of these powerful words is unknown for they were inscribed on a wall in a Nazi concentration camp during WWll.  An anonymous voice, who suffered wretched and unimaginable treatment, assailed by darkness and haunting silence, still could say… “I believe in God.”  This is nothing less than a declaration of a holy hope, the work of God among us. 

Prayer: May the One who is faithful in all things bless and strengthen you to believe more deeply, have stronger hope, greater love… and face each day with peace-filled hearts.

Pastor Chris Mietlowski is serving at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church in Manhattan for the last 11 years.  Prior to that, he served in Dobbs Ferry and Easton, Pennsylvania.  In addition to ministry in the parish, Pastor Chris has been involved with various synodical ministries:  diakonia (faculty and former executive director), Pinecrest (former assistant director), the Candidacy Committee (2 terms) and is currently on Synod Council.  He has also served in the wider community as a volunteer chaplain for Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, community board member for Children’s Village (residential program for troubled youth), and community liaison for the 13^th Precinct of NYPD.  He is married (39 years), has four children, 3 grandchildren and enjoys playing golf.