Promises aren't what they used to be. Once upon a time, legal transactions were made with a word and a handshake. Now they involve signing a ream of papers. But, even these lengthy measures don't always prevent the unscrupulous from finding a way out.
There is one promise, or should I say, "Promiser" (if there is such a word), that you can still count on. These promises are the most binding of all; so much so that the special word, "covenant", is used for them.
"I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17.6-8)
Yahweh God meant what He said when He made the promise and established the specifics of the covenant with Abraham so long ago. Although Abraham is now long dead, the terms of the covenant are still in force with his descendants. And, we are numbered among his descendants through Christ (Galatians 3.29). As such, as someone once said, we get the land. God has placed a stake for us in a piece of Middle East real estate called Israel. But, it's much more than that - "the meek will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5.5).
Remembering the promises makes a huge difference in life perspective. Nearly every war and act of aggression is over territory; land. The frenetic pace of daily business is largely about acquiring land and influence. And yet, when all is said and done, God will simply give all the hard-fought earth to His children through His Son. That which many people have worn themselves out over, and violently taken by force, is a gift from our Father to us.
The One who promises remains faithful, and that which He promises remains secure. The inevitable outcome does not give us license for laziness, but rather calm confidence amidst the upheaval of restless humanity. As those destined to one day receive the earth, we view today - and every day - as an opportunity to be trained to wisely rule the world with Christ.
May the solid promises through His covenant with you be both reassuring and motivating today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
There is one promise, or should I say, "Promiser" (if there is such a word), that you can still count on. These promises are the most binding of all; so much so that the special word, "covenant", is used for them.
"I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." (Genesis 17.6-8)
Yahweh God meant what He said when He made the promise and established the specifics of the covenant with Abraham so long ago. Although Abraham is now long dead, the terms of the covenant are still in force with his descendants. And, we are numbered among his descendants through Christ (Galatians 3.29). As such, as someone once said, we get the land. God has placed a stake for us in a piece of Middle East real estate called Israel. But, it's much more than that - "the meek will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5.5).
Remembering the promises makes a huge difference in life perspective. Nearly every war and act of aggression is over territory; land. The frenetic pace of daily business is largely about acquiring land and influence. And yet, when all is said and done, God will simply give all the hard-fought earth to His children through His Son. That which many people have worn themselves out over, and violently taken by force, is a gift from our Father to us.
The One who promises remains faithful, and that which He promises remains secure. The inevitable outcome does not give us license for laziness, but rather calm confidence amidst the upheaval of restless humanity. As those destined to one day receive the earth, we view today - and every day - as an opportunity to be trained to wisely rule the world with Christ.
May the solid promises through His covenant with you be both reassuring and motivating today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 7:36 AM
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