“…Abraham, who is the father of us all, as it is written, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’…” (Romans 4:16–17 ESV).
Paul emphasizes that Abraham is not only the father of the Jewish people but of all who believe by faith. Quoting Genesis 17:5, he highlights how God declared Abraham “father of many nations” before Isaac was even born. God speaks in the past tense about future promises, because His Word is sure. He has the power to give life to the dead and to call into being things that are not. This means the promise to Abraham is fulfilled not by works or law, but by grace through faith, so that it is available to all, Jew and Gentile alike. Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe in Jesus, the promised “Seed” (Gal. 3:16).
We who believe in Jesus are part of Abraham’s spiritual family. His story reminds us that God’s promises do not depend on our performance, but on faith in His grace. Just as Abraham believed God could do the impossible, we too must walk by faith in the God who raises the dead and creates from nothing. When we feel discouraged by what we can’t see or haven’t yet received, let us remember: God speaks with certainty about what He will do. We can live in hope, even when the fulfillment is not yet visible, because we serve a God who keeps His promises.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for making us part of Abraham’s spiritual family through faith in Jesus. Help us trust in Your promises even when we cannot yet see them. Give us faith like Abraham to believe in Your Word and walk in hope. Teach us to rest not in our efforts, but in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.