When we think about God’s promises, we often go to the Old Testament and examine what God said to patriarchs: Abrahams and his descendants. I imagine that those who lived during those times saw those promises differently from us living in 2017. They probably reflected on land filled with milk and honey, and protection from enemies. They may not have thought too hard on how God’s promises could change them personally. They did not necessarily see how the promises lead to a deeper relationship with God and their neighbour.
Jesus came so God could fulfill His promises to us. Since the garden, and despite the guidance, encouragement and grace God gave His creation, people misunderstood what God wanted. They somehow felt they needed to amaze God with their deeds. They tried to be obedient, but became mechanical and routine. They did all they could to impress God, hoping He would bless but most of them ignored the caveats that were part of some of the promises. They wanted to do this relationship their way and missed what God was doing; they missed that He wanted to impress them (and us) with His love. Many could not, and still cannot understand the love that God has for His creation and as such are confused as to the full extent of His promises.
Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection were part of God’s plan to fulfill the promises, which includes more than land, goods, or physical protection. The fulfilment, for those who believe in Jesus, leads to eternity with Him, but also includes a changed life while on this earth. We prepared 25 devotionals that address the promises fulfilled because of Jesus. They are to be posted from December 1 to December 25 on our FACEBOOK page and each day there is a promise statement, a scripture verse, reflection questions, and prayer hints.
These devotionals are short but hopefully will be on your mind throughout the day. It is our prayer that, not only will you take some time to read, reflect and pray about these devotions but you will mull over them throughout the day. Join us every day until 25 December, and see what promises have been fulfilled by Jesus.
May you be blessed as you seek to understand God’s promises for you.
(Note – I must point out that the idea behind these devotionals came from something I read many years ago. Most of the promises and reflection questions associated with each devotional were taken from or inspired by that document.)
When we think about God’s promises, we often go to the Old Testament and examine what God said to patriarchs: Abrahams and his descendants. I imagine that those who lived during those times saw those promises differently from us living in 2017. They probably reflected on land filled with milk and honey, and protection from enemies. They may not have thought too hard on how God’s promises could change them personally. They did not necessarily see how the promises lead to a deeper relationship with God and their neighbour.