Today’s devotion comes from Genesis 21:1-8.
“Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.” Genesis 21:1-8.
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It is interesting to read how certain Scriptures describe the faith of Sarah and the faith of Abraham.
There is a description of the faith of Sarah in Hebrews 11:11-12. So to speak, Hebrews chapter 11 is the very important Hall of Fame chapter defining faith and identifying certain individuals who had faith and “by faith” did amazing things.
There is a description of the faith of Abraham in Romans 4:17-21. Romans chapter 4 is also a very important chapter teaching us how we can be credited with righteousness. “… ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Romans 4:3 and “Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,”. Romans 4:23-24.
So, let us turn to the descriptions of the faith of Sarah and the faith of Abraham.
“(as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. In hope against hope he (Abraham) believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.” Romans 4:17-21. This is a focus and a faith in what God can do.
“By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.” Hebrews 11:11-12. This is a focus and a faith on Who God is, namely a “faithful” God.
The Heidelberg Catechism shows these two elements in the following question and answer by concluding that God “is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.”
Q. 26. What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?
A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them; who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father; on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body; and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.
Let us have faith that God can and will do what He has promised. First, “He is able to do it, being Almighty God”. Second, God is “willing, being a faithful Father”.
As I meditated on today’s devotion, I noticed that the last two devotions focused on what God is able to do, namely, in the first devotion we meditated on God’s protection and in the second devotion we meditated on God’s restoration.
Therefore, in conclusion, it is very appropriate that in today’s devotion that we focus on Who God is, namely a “faithful” God. Consider the following Scriptures.
“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, …” Deuteronomy 7:9.
“God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9.
“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 