The Certainty of God's Promises
By Brad Asbury
Are we able to ensure that God's promises are certain? Often
times we feel that we have been neglected or left alone, other
times we feel as if the God would ever bring deliverance to our
lives. Other days we doubt that God can still "move mountains"
with the faith of a mustard seed. The world and the pressures of
it cave in on top of us so much that we lose the reality of what
we are doing and the promises that God has made to us. The
doubt, the loneliness, and the lack of faith are often common
instances in the life of the believer.
The people of Israel, in the midst of their exile, were finally
given a message of hope from the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah,
speaking the words of God, promised to the people that
restoration would come about. Even though the streets of
Jerusalem had no one in them, God would restore that land and
provide for them a hope. He even promised one who would come
from the lineage of David and this would provide salvation for
Judah. His name would be called "The Lord our Righteousness"
(Jeremiah 33:15-16).
Yet, how could the people of Israel be sure that this was true.
Yes, the Lord had promised it; but in the midst of exile it
would seem as if all was hopeless. God gave the people a great
confirmation that His promises would be revealed. We read in
Jeremiah 33:20-21, "This is what the Lord says: 'If you can
break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night,
so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time,
then my covenant with David my servant-and my covenant with the
Levites who are priests ministering before me-can be broken and
David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne'"
(NIV). The promise of God was so sure that God said that the
only way to break the covenant was to stop the pattern of day
and night.
We understand that we cannot change the coming and going of day
and night. We too understand that there is no power on earth
that changes the coming of day and night. Even more, there is no
activity in the skies that can change the coming of day and
night. The only one who has power to change the coming of day
and night is Almighty God. And He promised that He would send a
"Righteous Branch;" therefore, He will send a Righteous Branch.
The righteous Branch was Jesus Christ. His promise was
fulfilled.
Let us proclaim with gladness then, "His Love endure forever."
In the midst of your trials and uncertainties trust in the
steady hand of God. His promises to you are sure, His covenant
is enduring; we are what changes consistently, not God. Let us
remain steadfast in the hope of the Father through the Lord
Jesus Christ. Be assured that God is with you always, and in
this rejoice today.
My wife and I have been married for 3 1/2 years and we have a 2
year old son.
I currently pastor Chestnut Grove Baptist Church.
For more information visit:
http://www.chestnutgrovebaptist.com
http://chestnutgrovebaptist.blogspot.com
