The Jesus Bible Reading PlanNäide

GLIMMERS OF GRACE

The kings and people of Israel continued to walk in sin (2Ki 13:2, 11). Yet God provided a glimmer of grace and compassion to his elect by turning toward them and not destroying them — all because of his loyalty to his covenant promises with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s covenants are indissoluble and eternal. His love pours out on his people even in the midst of their sin. God shows his faithfulness to his people by reminding them of the promises he made and fulfilled in the past.

When Jesus came, he made his relationship to past covenants crystal clear: He had come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Mt 5:17). Jesus told Zacchaeus that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house due to him being a true “son of Abraham” and, thus, a recipient of the covenant promises. And Jesus proclaimed that he came for the lost — those who like the Old Testament Israelites live in sin and need salvation (Lk 19:9 – 10). God always keeps his promises, ultimately offering grace and mercy to those who turn from their sin and put their faith in Jesus.

Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness. I praise you for always keeping your word and for promising me salvation. Amen.