Ever have one of those hunger cravings for something but you just don’t know what it is that you want? Ice cream ... no, cake ... no, cookie ... no, potato chips ... no! Oh, I know – a candy bar ... NO! You want something but nothing seems to nail down that snack attack and finally it comes rushing in like a massive tidal wave – a slice of bread with a huge slab of peanut butter slathered on top! Oh man, I can taste it now as I sit at my computer typing these words. I mean come on ... when nothing else will do, there’s always good ole peanut butter, right?
Speaking of peanut butter, I’m reminded of a commercial that ran years ago – let me set it up for you, maybe you’ll remember it. A dad dedicated his time and effort to build an unbelievable treehouse for his daughter. The project showcased his craftsmanship but more than that, a deep love and affection for his daughter. The treehouse was designed to be a special place for her, fulfilling her dream of having a private spot of her very own.After the treehouse was complete, the daughter humorously rewarded her dad with a sandwich, but not just any sandwich, it was a skippy peanut butter sandwich. The dad expressed his surprise by asking, “You did that for me?” to which she replied, “Well, you did that for me.” This light-hearted moment highlights their affectionate relationship and the joy both shared.
This commercial reminds me of what Paul teaches us in his letter to the believers in Rome. In Romans 4:20-25 he says, “20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.”
In my mind, Abraham in a sense reflects the father building the treehouse in the commercial with his life honoring effort to bring glory to God. God in return counted him as righteous. I know, perhaps you’re thinking that I’m stretching the illustration a little too far but think about it ... once again in my mind at least, I can see our Heavenly Father represented in the little girl’s response to the effort of her earthly father. The proverbial sandwich being offered is God counting him (Abraham) as righteous. To which Abraham responds ... “You did this for me?” and our Heavenly Father responds, “Well, you did that [never wavered in believing God’s promise] for Me.”
However, there’s more, as this truth extends far beyond Abraham, reaching down to you and me. Notice what the remainder of the text says ...
23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.”
Did you catch the emphasis? That’s right, it was for OUR benefit too! God will count us as righteous just like He did Abraham if we believe in our Heavenly Father who gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, and declared us to be in right standing with Him by way of His death and resurrection!
My prayer is that we’ll never allow the atoning work of our Savior to lose its powerful effect in our lives, yet because of it, our faith will grow stronger and stronger each and every day!
Hmmm ... I think I’ll fix me a peanut butter sandwich and with that, may the Lord bless you my friend and have a wonderful day!