If you haven’t been around children lately, think back to when you were, or perhaps, all the way back to when you were a child and certain phrases seem to populate the general conversations. Phrases like, “That’s not fair!”, “You’re not the boss of me!”, or the less belligerent, more sorrowful, “You promised!” I know, as a former parent of small children, you have to be careful about what you say because it may be taken as a promise and broken promises are inherently a big deal to kids!
I think they are a big deal to adults also. Have you ever experienced a situation at work where the boss said you would be getting a raise or a better work situation, only to find out later, it went to another? Sadly, too many have had to deal with the heartache of broken promises in relationships. We would just like to know that promises mean something.
Today’s verse is sort of tucked in among the narrative as a colorful description but otherwise not a big deal. And that might be the case, if it weren’t for Genesis 15:5:
Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
When God gave Abraham this promise about his descendants, Abraham had a grand total of 0 children! Yet Abraham believed God. He is known as the ‘Father of the Faith.’ Did Abraham ever see God’s promise kept? No. Today’s verse is hundreds of years later, yet it is the promise kept.
Yesterday in church we sang Way Maker. It has this recurring line:
Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness, my God, that is Who You are!
God is a Promise Keeper! That’s why it is so encouraging to read the Bible and discover what He has promised! He keeps His word! He is dependable. You can count on Him! Trust Him! If He said it, He will do it!
Have faith!
Blessings,
Pastor Russ
