Genesis 21:1 Now
the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah
what he had promised.
My
Grandma Stuart had a saying about people who disappointed her: “He’s
a great promiser, but a bad fulfiller.” She came from a small Scottish
religious community who were known as Rechabites. Her direct family members were
all teetotalers who abstained from drinking alcohol and smoking, which is funny
because her grandfather, James Doyle, made his money manufacturing clay pipes
for tobacco users. She was a strong-willed person who had a lot of gumption and
determination. I guess I get most of my stubbornness and religiosity from her
side of the family.
Throughout
the Bible, God constantly makes promises and never fails to fulfill them. In Sarah’s
case, from the events described in Genesis 21, He sees to it that she bears a
child even in her old age. The same blessing is also accomplished in Luke 1,
when the elderly Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist. It’s all part of
God’s way of completing the work of His salvation for the people on Earth. God
is not only a great promiser; He’s also a great fulfiller.
Every
day, we experience the promises of God in our individual lives and across the
entire Earth. His promises are both personal and global, as well as being
current and historical. In Jesus Christ, we have the greatest promise of salvation
that humanity has ever known. In Jesus Christ, we also have the greatest
fulfiller of God’s holy words.
Question for personal reflection
When and where
have I experienced God’s promises in my life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, by Your complete
obedience to God and the fulfillment of all His promises, we are given the
sacred opportunity of being forgiven of our sins and eternally restored to God.
We seek to dedicate our lives to You and to Your continuing ministry of
salvation throughout the world. In Your Holy Name, we serve and pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian
Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s
message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest chess drawings. It’s called ‘Slavic Knight’ and
is a part of his new ‘One of These Knights’ art series. If you would like to
view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7411440258_2e934d85a8_b.jpg
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