A WORD FOR TODAY, May 16, 2025
Peggy Hoppes
We pray you have been blessed by this daily devotion. If you received it from a friend, you can see other devotions and studies by visiting our website at www.awordfortoday.org.
Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, May 16, 2025
“Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them. He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.” Romans 4:9-12, WEB
Certain questions have plagued the human mind for generations. “What is the meaning of life?” “Why is there suffering in the world?” “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Though most people know that there is no easy answer, some people are very passionate about their opinion. For those who believe in God, there is no question. For those who have found their purpose in life, it seems silly to ask what it all means. Those who believe in evolution generally believe without a doubt that the egg came first and creationists believe the chicken came first based on the biblical narrative. Everyone has a reason, whether logical or emotional, for why they believe their answer is right.
So, which came first? This question can be put into other contexts also. When it comes to religious faith, one of the greatest theological questions ever asked is “Is our salvation dependent on faith or works?” I recently read an article from a local pastor cautioning the readers to be careful about mixing their faith in God and their reliance on works to give them the assurance of salvation. The article suggested that many people mix grace with works and confuse law and Gospel.
“Do we choose God or does God choose us?” The scriptures certainly give us some indication that both answers are correct, and yet it always comes back to the basic question, “Which came first?” The bottom line is that God came first. He was before all things and will be long after all things have passed away. God is the Creator, Redeemer, and King of all creation. We can go back into the lives of the patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets to know that in all things God comes first. Moses could not have been the deliverer if God had not revealed Himself first. David would not have been king if God had not anointed him. Isaiah could not speak the words of truth to the Israelites if God had not put those words in his mouth. Yet, they all believed and then God put them to service. How and when does faith enter into the picture?
The people in Jesus’ day thought that their act of circumcision was what brought them the blessings of God. But this letter from Paul to the Christians in Rome shows us that it was not Abraham’s actions which brought God into his life. Instead, Abraham recognized God’s blessings and responded to His call. Faith did not come because Abraham chose to be obedient or because he had done anything to bring it about. God came first, revealed Himself to Abraham who believed and in faith he walked as God commanded.
That’s how it is for us. The question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” may never be answered to anyone’s satisfaction. Even those who believe in the biblical creation story can wonder if God created the actual chicken or an egg first. When it comes to faith, however, there is no question: God came first. He reveals Himself to us in Jesus Christ, through the scriptures and the fellowship of the saints. By His Word we believe. In faith we respond to God’s love in worship, service and witnessing to others in this world. Which came first? God is always first, in love, mercy and peace. All else comes after by faith in that which God has promised.
A WORD FOR TODAY is posted five days a week – Monday through Friday. The devotional on Wednesday takes a look at the scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday. A WORD FOR TODAY is posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Word-for-Today-Devotional/339428839418276. Like the page to receive the devotion through Facebook. For information and to access our archives, visit http://www.awordfortoday.org