God Speaking

“I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil”

(Psalm 119: 162)

Promises!

All of us mothers have heard many of them

• I promise I will clean my room tomorrow
• I promise I will never do that again
• …many more

Others not so funny, when they are broken!

• I promise I will love you forever
• I promise to pay back every penny

We humans are quick to use that word without thinking of the real meaning hidden deep within it and too often promises that fail to come to fruition. Promise is one of the most significant words in Scripture. The mighty Creator chooses to speak to Abraham and make his first great promise to all mankind through him

“When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants”.  And so for waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” (Hebrews 6: 13 – 15) 

Repeatedly through the Old Testament we read of God re-affirming his promise to the children of Israel and he formalises this promise in the form of a covenant. A covenant was a binding promise declared in front of witnesses between two parties both promising to uphold the words of the promise. God made some mighty covenants with some specific humans and then with all the children of Israel, but unfortunately, they blithely promised to keep their side, but failed miserably to follow through.

“When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice. “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” (Exodus 24: 3)

The Heavenly Father knew ahead of time that his children would fail him, but in his great and compassionate love he then provided his one and only son to keep our side of the covenant for us, at the cost of his son’s life. The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers and us of this amazing act of grace;

“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant , that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9: 15)

Jesus himself demonstrates to the disciples at the last supper, what the cost will be for him to fulfill;

“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is pored out for you.” (Luke 22: 20)

As we approach, Easter, we can echo the words of John Newton’s beautiful hymn as we realise what amazing grace set us free

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

I once was blind, but now I see.