Galatians 3:8–9
Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those
who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
Scripture Insights
Do you ever wonder who was first? First to drive a car, first to fly a plane, first
to make and eat ice cream (true genius!)?
We don’t need to wonder who was the first to hear the gospel and who was first to proclaim it. Paul tells us here that person was Abraham. He wasn’t given a theological education either. Abraham heard and believed, and that’s when his faith began. Then he shared the gospel simply by living. He didn’t become a famous prophet or preacher; he was just a patriarch—the father of a big family—who allowed his faithful obedience to God do the work. Sure, Abraham wasn’t perfect, but God is, and God worked in and through Abraham despite his imperfections. It wasn’t Abraham’s perfection that saved him but his faith.
Today, we enjoy the benefits of the gospel thanks to Abraham and the covenant God made with him. We would do well to learn from the first, and to start our fishing by simply being faithfully obedient to God.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the faith of Abraham and the example he has set. We confess our belief in you and commit to living in faithful obedience. May others see that and be drawn into a relationship with you.
—Matt Huff
Lead Pastor, Portland Central Church of the Nazarene (Oregon)
