“Faithful is He that calls you who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Dear Ones:
A promise is a verbal, or written commitment, to do or accomplish something in the present moment, or in the future. The strength of a promise resides in the “commitment” and “ability” of the promise maker to fulfill his or her promises. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he made very clear the power and effectiveness of the promises of God, by writing: “For ALL the promises of God in Him (In Christ) are yes, and in Him (In Christ) Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (1 Cor. 1:20) We see the application of this reality by Paul’s words to the believers in Thessalonica: “FAITHFUL is He that calls you, who also WILL do it.” What is the strength and power of the promises of God? It resides in His immutable character, nature, and the corresponding revelation of His commitment, and ability to accomplish, all that He has declared. We see Isaiah declaring the same thing: “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall NOT return unto Me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Is. 55:11)
There is a problem in our consideration of the promises of God. It does not lie in the character or nature of God, but in the object of our trust. Paul illustrates this when he writes: “I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2) How does this apply to this “problem of the promises?” We are apt to KNOW intellectually the truth of the promises, even to memorizing them. But the power does not rest in the “knowledge,” though knowledge is necessary. The strength of the promise resides in the Promise Giver, and a total commitment to believe HIM for the realization of His word. The author of the book of Hebrews puts it so clearly, and eloquently, concerning Sara, and her challenge to believe God for a son of promise, even though she was well beyond the years for giving birth to a child: “She judged Him (God) FAITHFL who had promised.” (11:11) Clearly, her faith was in the GIVER of the promise, and not in the promise itself. The promise was that instrument of God’s provision by which she, and all of us, are to believe. Each promise is a specific means by which we can KNOW and PROVE God.
Jacob, when he wrestled alone with the angel of the Lord, before he was to confront his brother, was certain to receive the blessing. How did he know this, and why would he not let the angel go, until He blessed him? It was because of a specific promises which had their application in the present moment, and with regard to future blessing. Abraham also, would not let the Lord go with regard to the promise: “He staggered not a the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” (Romans 4:20)
Dear Father, give us grace to see that You are perfectly faithful, committed and able to accomplish all that you promise. Strengthen our hearts to believe YOU according to the promise, refusing to let you go, until we SEE the glory of God, and your purposes accomplished. Grant us Your perseverance Lord Jesus, so that, as we wait upon You in expectant faith, we will not falter, but will become increasingly strong in faith, giving glory to You with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad