The Book of Romans: A 16 Day DevotionalSample

Did you ever see something in a shop that was really expensive? Something you thought you’d never be able to afford, and so you walk away from it with longing in your heart? Then someone buys it for you and gives it to you as a gift! That feeling of gratitude, the sense of not deserving such an expensive gift, almost feeling the need to give it back? Humbling, isn’t it?

The Jews believed that their adherence to the Law was what made them right with God. By doing all the things, following all the rituals, jumping through all the hoops, and being God’s chosen people made them blessed and righteous. But Abraham, we are told, was made right with God before the Law was written. He was made right with God through his FAITH.

God promised Abraham that he would be father to the nations, even though he had no children, even though he and his wife were well-past childbearing age. This would be a completely unbelievable promise, but Abraham did not doubt God. He had incredible faith and God declared him righteous.

But, not just for himself. This righteousness is credited, given, gifted to us as well if we believe in God, who gave His Son to be crucified for our sins, and then raised Him from death.

Remember that gift we couldn't afford and didn’t buy for ourselves, but was given to us by someone else?

God has given us the MOST precious gift we could ever imagine: right standing with Him so that we might have eternal life with Him in Heaven. Humbling, isn’t it?

Reflection
God loved us so much that He set plans into motion before we were even born. May we never take for granted this most precious blessing.