Genesis 17:3-9
Psalm 104(105):4-9
John 8:51-59
AGAINST ALL ODDS HAVE AN UNWAVERING FAITH LIKE ABRAHAM
Abraham was a man of unwavering faith and passionate prayer. He trusted deeply in his relationship with God, and whether his journey was filled with challenges or blessings, he simply followed God’s path. His patience and steadfast trust allowed him to prevail, demonstrating the power of belief.
Through Abraham, all the families of the earth were destined to be blessed. His Seed—the Lord Jesus Christ—came to earth as mankind’s Kinsman-Redeemer, uniquely able to save His people from their sins. He will rescue Abraham’s physical descendants—the Jews—at the end of the great tribulation, and also gather Abraham’s spiritual descendants—the Church—during this incredible age of grace after the cross.
In today’s gospel, Christ boldly claimed His glory before their ancestor Abraham—before the world was created. This divine claim incited such fury that they sought to stone Him. Christ was made a curse for us, so we could receive God’s blessings—blessings of Abraham, our father in faith—and all of this is by grace through faith in Him. He was made an outcast so that we could be brought near. By His wounds, we are healed. Though trials may come, Christians know that patience is the daughter of faith and hope, guiding us through every storm.
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the head of Your elect, the source of life and holiness. Open my eyes and ears to Your message, and grant me the courage to follow You wholeheartedly. Help me to be willing to leave everything behind, to take up my cross—not my brother’s or sister’s—but my own—trusting in the promise of the new life You offer. With faith, I step boldly into the adventure of following You, sure that Your grace will carry me through to victory. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
