The Promise

Promises. We make them, keep them and, sometimes, break them.

A friend of mine once trusted a man who promised to repay a large loan. When the date for repayment came—and went—he discovered that the man had disappeared. The money was gone. Some promises are sincerely made but cannot be fulfilled. They’re desires, dreams with good intentions. It eventually becomes clear that they were beyond the power of the one who made them.

When the promise is important enough, its failure can be among the most painful experiences of life. A relationship is lost. A marriage ended. Never to be recovered.

Whenever someone makes a promise to us, we ask ourselves two questions. Is it a promise they have the power to keep? If so, can they be trusted to keep it? Only when the answer to both questions is yes, can we rely on the promise.

On trial before King Agrippa, the Apostle Paul spoke of a promise. “I am looking forward to the promise made to our ancestors,” he said, “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?” The promise was his “North Star,” guiding him onward. He knew God had the power to keep it and could be trusted to fulfill it. He trusted his whole life to it.

This promise flows in an unbroken line through Scripture. It is the one promise that is absolutely certain and worthy of every trust. For thousands of years, it was just a glimmer, but then Jesus came and rose from the dead. He is the firstborn from the dead but not the last.

An old hymn says it well. “He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” It’s the promise of Christmas. The promise continues. Joy to the world!

Lord, I trust in your promise. I want to be anchored to it and guided by it until I arrive safely in your home.

Throughout This Day: Rejoice in the power and faithfulness of God, who ensures the fulfillment of all his promises.

Joy to the World / Joy of the Lord by Maverick City Music