The Jesus Bible Reading PlanНамуна

JESUS: THE PROMISE OF GOD

Joshua finished his life with an astounding observation about God’s work. He claimed that God had been faithful to fulfill every one of his promises to the nation of Israel. In spite of the sin of the people and the vast scope of God’s redemptive work, God had proven the covenant-keeping nature of his character. He is always faithful to his promises. He always keeps his word. He will never break a promise.

While this claim comes at the culmination of Joshua’s life and mission, it continues throughout all subsequent generations. In fact, God’s promises were meant to extend throughout all generations. His promise in Genesis 3:15, that one would come who would “crush” Satan forever, was not merely a promise to the nation of Israel but to all those who would suffer under the implications of life in a sin-drenched world. His promises to the nation of Israel, fulfilled in their taking of the land, represent only a portion of the great and glorious promises made by God throughout all history.

Paul, at the beginning of his letter to the church at Rome, claimed that Jesus was the pinnacle of the fulfillment of the promises of God (Ro 1:1 – 4). Jesus’ sacrificial death was not a knee-jerk reaction by God to address human sin but was the plan of God before the foundation of the world. Paul traced the details of the coming of Christ — from his lineage, to the timing of his birth, to the manner of his death — and identified them as a fulfillment of God’s plan. The writings of the prophets validate this claim, as they make repeated promises about intricate details of Jesus’ life that are ultimately fulfilled hundreds of years later. This confidence led Paul to conclude, in 2 Corinthians 1:18 – 20, that all of God’s promises are answered in Christ. Both the specific promises regarding the Messiah and the general promises regarding God’s plan for dealing with human sin are fulfilled by Jesus.

God’s faithfulness to his promises provides hope for his people. Not only has he done what he said he would do, but he will continue to perfectly execute his plan. In spite of the seeming chaos of life in a fallen world, Christians can take heart that he has overcome the world and will perfectly accomplish all he set out to do (Jn 16:33).

Jesus, I know you do not break promises. Help me to wake each morning, live each day and sleep each night in confidence of your faithfulness. Amen.