Promises

Promises

6:02

“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel, God with us,” Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

This sign was a promise—that God would be with us. The Creator chose to dwell amongst us! This significant promise was made over 700 years before Jesus was born. He would be known as the Son of God. He would be with us.

Why is this so amazing?

It’s amazing because God created man, yet man, though foolish, rejected God. This shows that God gave us free will. We are not robots. We have been given the gift of choosing to be in a relationship with God, or not to be in said relationship.

However, if that were me being rejected, I’d say, “Fine, you don’t want me as a friend, consider it a fulfilled prophecy. Friendship over.”

Yet, God’s love is an eternal one filled with compassion and understanding of and for His creation. God isn’t a simple sentimentalist, one whose feelings are easily hurt. God is slow to anger—

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,” Psalm 103:8, ESV.

That does not mean we can ignore Him. He’s not going anywhere. He will also remember wrongs done, until they are asked sincerely to be forgiven. This confession includes an understanding of whom the One is that forgives us.

This acceptance of God’s eternal gift of relationship creates a joy that can’t help but to serve Him. A contract of sorts but not signed with a heavy heart; but a heart that willingly wants to serve like King Jesus. Like a marriage contract—I know what I’m doing, and I agree.

Our Creator God came to live with us—those who have rejected Him and sent His own Son, Jesus, because He desired to set right that which was broken in the garden of Eden.

Jesus was like the engineer who had the only screwdriver to fix the problem.

Jesus’ ultimate tool was a sinless life. That’s why Jesus came. To right the wrong that has plagued the earth for thousands and thousands and thousands of years—sin. Perfect for imperfect. Jesus for me. Jesus for you.

When we realize that God is perfect and we are not, this moment of humility can launch us onto a path of righteousness never experienced in our sinful state. (Self-righteousness is not godly righteousness, it’s actually the opposite).

God gave us His promise that He would dwell with us and lead those who sought Him. We can continue to shun Him or embrace Him. This is not a halfhearted embrace that agrees with God yet doesn’t want to commit fully. It’s an “I’m all in, I get it,” faith that can move mountains. A faith that can change our hearts, from stone to flesh (alive and full of forgiveness). That’s when faith takes root, promises are given, and the Holy Spirit begins to teach and lead us.

Jesus offers this gift to all of us. Yet sadly many will reject it, wanting their own way. Are you one who is willing to receive and serve our King Jesus, with commitment and desire? Or are you going to once again hear the good news of salvation, and walk away justifying your choice?

It’s still your choice, yet I pray you choose Jesus today. And that you choose Him for every tomorrow hereafter.

Father,

You have kept Your promises to us, help us keep our promises to You.

We bow before You, humbled by all that You have done, and who You are.

You are not only our Creator, but also our Savior, thank You.

You know our history, and You still extend Your loving hand, thank You.

You are our example of how to truly love another, please teach us, thank You.

You, Jesus, are the Child born under the stars, and now the King who sits at the right hand of the Father, thank You.

Father, thank You for Your eternal love. Teach us Your ways that we may walk with You, every day, forever.

Amen.