Genesis 12:1–9; Romans 4:13–25; Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26
Introduction
Precious one, grace calls; faith responds. The Christian life begins not with human initiative but with God's gracious invitation into faithful living. Our readings today reveal that God calls ordinary, imperfect people and empowers them to live faithfully in response to His unlimited promises.
The Gracious Call
In Genesis 12, Abram receives a divine summons and command, “Go from your country... to the land that I will show you.” The command comes before the details. God offered no map to Abram, only a promise. The Hebrew narrative emphasizes Abram's obedience, saying, “So Abram went.” Abram's experiential journey demonstrates that faith is not merely intellectual assent but active trust in God's word. God’s covenantal promises of land, a great nation, descendants, and blessing were humanly impossible, but Abram responded in obedience.
Abram's calling illustrates the doctrine of grace. God chose Abram not because of any merit but because of divine purpose. We are not told that, but maybe God initially called some persons who failed to obey before turning to Abram.
Charles Spurgeon explains, “Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.” Abram walked by faith long before he saw the fulfillment. Out of what we do not see, yet believe and act on, comes the reality of what our hearts desire most.
Law-Keeping vs Faith-Living
Paul develops this truth in his letter to the Romans 4. He presents Abraham as the father of all who believe. He explains that the promise did not come through law-keeping but through faith-living. Paul emphasizes that Abraham “did not weaken in faith” despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness. The Greek expression indicates steadfast confidence in God's power to accomplish what He promised.
Abraham's situational circumstances pointed to impossibilities, but his steadfast confidence in God's providence showed him the ray of hope. Scientific law coupled with human experience points to impossibility, but faith-living brings out the reality of God's grace (Rom. 4:18-21).
This passage is foundational for Christian discipleship. We are justified by faith in Christ and not by works in our strength. The same God who brought life from Abraham's seemingly dead circumstances raised Jesus from the dead.
Faith, therefore, is confidence in God's character and power. Contemporary Christians often face uncertainty, cultural opposition, economic pressures, and personal disappointments. Like Abraham, believers are called to trust God's promises even when circumstances appear contradictory.
Faith Response to Grace Call
The Gospel reading in Matthew 9 presents grace in action through Jesus. Matthew, a tax collector despised and rejected by Jewish society, receives a simple yet transformative gracious call from Jesus, “Follow me.” Immediately, he rises and follows. Grace reaches beyond social barriers and moral failures. In the face of criticism, Jesus then declares, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” revealing that God's kingdom welcomes sinners who recognize their need for Him.
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."(Matthew 9:12)
The miraculous healing of the woman with the hemorrhage and the raising of the ruler's daughter further illustrate faith's response to grace. The woman believed that merely touching Jesus' garment would bring healing, and it was so. The ruler trusted Jesus even when a death situation was the finality. In both cases, faith was not confidence in themselves but confidence in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.
Three key points for faithful living by those called by grace.
First, God's call often requires leaving familiar securities. Like Abram and Matthew, discipleship demands surrender and obedience.
Second, faith perseveres despite delays and difficulties. God's promises may unfold slowly, but His faithfulness never fails.
Third, grace compels compassionate living. Since we have been received by Christ through grace, we must extend mercy to others.
Martin Luther rightly stated, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace.” Such faith transforms ordinary believers into faithful witnesses. Called by grace, live by faith.
Conclusion
As we reflect on this Sermonette, let us remember that the Christian life is a journey between God's call and God's fulfillment. We are called by grace, not because we deserve it, and we live by faith, trusting the One who never breaks His promises. The God who called Abraham, transformed Matthew, healed the suffering woman, and raised the dead still calls His people today. May we answer with obedient hearts and live in steadfast faith, walking confidently in the promises of Christ until faith becomes sight. Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
