Monday, June 24, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Romans 4:1–8

What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” (NRSV)

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Reflection

I love to follow a recipe. I have cookbooks piled high on my shelves, and before beginning, I read the instructions twice. When I embark, I follow the author’s methods assiduously. I will even confess that I have googled, “How did Julia Child define a pinch of salt?” For me, precision is key. It's the comfort of knowing that if I follow the rules, I will be rewarded with the expected result

Imagine my horror when I recently cooked with a friend who considers recipes a mere suggestion. I clutched my apron like a drowning man gripping a life raft as he flung spices with the abandon of a confetti cannon. No timers beeped, no scales balanced ingredients, no comforting instructions guided our path. He simply trusted that we would feast on a delicious meal. And he was right. The meal was wonderful — even if the process took years off my life.

In many ways, I find my approach to faith mirrors this experience in the kitchen. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he writes of how it was not Abraham’s works that earned his favor from God, but his belief in God. Some of us crave a clear set of instructions, a recipe for righteousness. We yearn for the comfort of knowing exactly what to do to be considered faithful in God’s eyes.

Perhaps, like my adventurous friend in the kitchen, God doesn’t demand a rigid adherence to rules, but rather a deep trust. Abraham didn’t simply believe God existed; he believed in God's promises and power. It’s a belief in God’s love for us and a trust that this love is freely given.

Alright, fine. Maybe my friend was on to something. Faith born out of trust can yield a life far more fulfilling than the one dictated by a self-imposed recipe, a life full of God’s love that is freely given and received.

P.S. For all you experimental chefs out there: I would be glad to come to dinner — I’ll just stay out of the kitchen while you trust.

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Prayer
Your word, O God, reminds me that true faith isn't about earning your favor, but about trusting in your love. Help me loosen my grip on rules and regulations, and instead, open my heart to a deeper faith in you. Amen.

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Written by Shawn Fiedler, Major Gift Officer

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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