Reading 7: Revelation of God’s Righteousness

Bouncing along the bumpy dirt road in a land cruiser, I looked out over the coffee fields of Nicaragua. I had learned so much in this week. I had met women who, due to the support of Lutherans, could now cook over clean gas stoves instead of smoky wood. I had met children who had received school supplies packed by the hands of Lutherans. I met coffee farmers who would be able to sell their crop to Lutherans at better prices so they can deliver on their dream of a better future to their children. Underlying all this is the incredible story of a country which just 27 years ago was engaged in a deadly civil war, but now farmers who were on opposite sides of the conflict come together in friendship to deliver on that promise for their children.

So much of the good work I saw was due to the faithful giving of Lutherans in the U.S. to Lutheran World Relief. As I reflected on this work on my flight home I turned to Romans 4 to begin to write. And there I was met by Paul’s words, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” Paul sure knew how to bring me down from this high of seeing the good works Lutherans have made happen in Nicaragua.

But there is gospel and grace to be found in Paul’s words. Paul does not dismiss works, but places them in their proper place. Without the grace of God’s righteousness given to us, as it was to Abraham, then works come from the law, the law which leads only to death. But because, “it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace,” the work God gives us to do in this world is separated from the law and becomes a joy. Not only are they a joy but an outward expression of what God has first done in us. As Luther says in his commentary on Romans, “all good works are only outward signs which flow from faith and are the fruits of faith; they prove that the person is already inwardly just in the sight of God.”

So whether it’s work you support around the world or in your local community, thanks be to God that the grace of Jesus Christ goes before it all, making service a joy and a witness to the glory of God.

How can your community be intentional about placing the good work that you do in its proper context with the grace that God gives?

What does your community’s service tell the world about the righteousness that God has given?

God of righteousness, thank you for the promise of your righteousness from Abraham to future generations. You set us free to work in your world, work that is a joy and a witness. May we be good stewards of this joyful responsibility to reach out to those on the margins of society. In the name of the one who sets us free, Jesus Christ. Amen.

–Chandler Carriker is a deacon in the ELCA. He serves as Associate Director of Engagement and Outreach at Lutheran World Relief and worships at Morning Star Lutheran Church, Matthews, N.C.