The Security of God's Promises

By Romina Chevren

“The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 'Sir,' they said, 'we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise again.” So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.' 'Take a guard,' Pilate answered. 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.' So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.”—Matthew 27:62–66 (NIV)

I vividly remember when I was a child, my dad promised to take me to the park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. As the week progressed, I eagerly anticipated our outing, imagining the fun we’d have together. However, as Saturday approached, dark clouds gathered in the sky, threatening rain. Doubt crept into my mind, and I began to worry our plans would be ruined by the weather.

Despite my concerns, my dad remained steadfast in his promise, assuring me that nothing would prevent our trip to the park. True to his word, even as the rain began to fall, my dad took me by the hand and led me outside. In that moment, I learned a valuable lesson about trust and faithfulness. Just as I had believed my dad's promise despite the uncertain weather, so, too, can we trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain or bleak. Just as my dad remained true to his word and fulfilled his promise to me, so will God remain faithful to His promises, regardless of the obstacles we may face.

In today’s passage, we encounter a scene filled with fear and uncertainty. The chief priests and Pharisees, still reeling from Jesus' crucifixion, approach Pilate with a request to secure the tomb where Jesus' body had been laid. Their concern stems from Jesus' words foretelling His resurrection after three days. Despite their efforts to silence Him through crucifixion, they now fear His disciples might attempt to steal His body and perpetrate a deception even greater than His ministry.

In their attempt to thwart any possibility of Jesus' resurrection, the chief priests and Pharisees employ guards and seal the tomb with an official decree. Yet, their actions unwittingly serve to highlight the futility of human efforts to thwart God's plans. Despite their best attempts to secure the tomb, nothing can prevent the fulfillment of God's promises.

As we reflect on this passage, we’re reminded of the security found in God's promises. Just as the chief priests and Pharisees sought to ensure the permanence of Jesus' death, we may encounter situations in our lives where fear and uncertainty threaten to overshadow God's promises. We may face challenges that seem insurmountable or circumstances that leave us feeling hopeless.

However, just as God's promises remained steadfast in the face of human efforts to thwart them, so, too, can we find security in His faithfulness. No matter what challenges or obstacles we encounter, we can trust God's promises are sure and His plans are unshakeable. As the psalmist declares in Psalm 18:30 (NIV), "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."

May we, like the psalmist, take refuge in the security of God's promises, trusting in His faithfulness to see us through every trial and circumstance. And may we rest in the assurance that nothing in this world can separate us from His love or thwart His plans for our lives.

Pause: Take a moment to pause and reflect on the scene described in today’s Scripture. Consider the fear and uncertainty that drove the chief priests and Pharisees to secure the tomb where Jesus' body lay. Reflect on any fears or uncertainties in your own life that may be causing you to seek security in human efforts rather than trusting in God's promises.

Practice: Practice releasing your fears and uncertainties to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and faithfulness. Instead of relying solely on your efforts to secure your future or control your circumstances, surrender them to God in prayer. Trust that He is in control and that His plans for you are good, even when things seem uncertain or frightening.

Pray: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the scene in today’s passage, we’re reminded of the futility of human efforts to thwart Your plans. Help us to release our fears and uncertainties to You, trusting in Your sovereignty and faithfulness. Grant us the courage to surrender control and rest in the security of Your promises. May we find peace knowing that You are in control and that Your plans for us are good. Amen.