Devotional:Faith, Not Skin Color: Genesis 15:1-6

“Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (Gen. 15:6, NASB).

How does one gain favor with God? There are many Christians that believe that a person gains favor with God because of some characteristic that they possess. As the world is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, it also has to deal with violence and injustices. Now, one of the things that this pandemic is showing us is that all people share common needs regardless of social, racial, ethnic, and national status. The virus does not discriminate. It kills people from every status all over the world. In the same manner, God does not discriminate against people; and this especially is applicable to Americans that believe that skin color is the basis of how God grants favor to certain people. In the bible we have no account of God dealing with any person on the basis of their skin color.

The story of Abraham begins in Genesis 11:27. In Genesis 12:1 we are told of Abram’s (Abraham) call by God to begin a different course in life. Abram obeys the Lord and he seeks the blessings that the Lord had promised to him. Our text today tells us of a conversation between Abram and the Lord. The Lord assures Abram that He will be protected. “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great’ (15:1, NASB). Abram ask the Lord for clarification because he does not have a son that the blessings can be realized. God takes Abram outside and ask him to count the stars, an impossible task. The Lord says to Abram that his descendants will be impossible to number (v. 5).

Now, we come to the heart of the matter. So far, we know that Abram has left everything that gives him his identity. He leaves his country, his culture, his way of life, and his family. He is accompanied by his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. God is making a promise to Abram. It is a promise that Abram cannot see taking place under the present circumstances. Yet, Abram hears God and believes God. It is his faith alone that gives him righteousness before God.

It is faith that gives us favor with God. Regardless of whom we are and how other people see us, God determines that our righteousness and right standing with God is based on our faith alone.

Prayer: Lord we thank you for your accepting us on our faith alone. Amen.