Promises

Barack Obama, a few days from becoming President of the United States, is backing down on some of his campaign promises. I don’t think he’s a purposeful liar; he’s just facing the grim realities of an economy gone so wayward that the best of intentions can’t stabilize it quickly, if ever. In the age of instant gratification, such as fast food, the Internet and e-mail, voters responded to a fresh face, appealing promises and charismatic persona.

Now, with reality setting in, the quick fix is evaporating in the harsh reality that many of these problems were years in the making and ready solutions are impossible. It is like turning an ocean liner going full speed ahead. Yes, it can be turned about, but, these huge ships can’t be turned on a dime, not even in a mile.

Most politicians give pompous speeches and lure the electorate to radical change, especially if those they are attempting to unseat have a perceived string of failures. We will likely never see a day when candidates cease making promises they know they can’t keep—a sad symptom of a time when ear-tickling is popular, and voters place confidence in media preference, catchy phrases and forceful personality.

I’m glad my trust is in the guaranteed promises of God.

Ancient Israel had to trust the seemingly impossible promises of Jehovah God. He promised deliverance from slave masters in Egypt through the formula of the Passover Lamb, whose blood was shed and its flesh eaten (Exodus 12), and He promised strength and provision for the journey (Ex. 33:14). The Israelites needed food and water through the dessert for forty years so God gave manna from Heaven (Ex. 16:15, 35) and water from the rock (Ex. 17:6; Numbers 20:11). He promised their shoes and clothes would not wear out for four decades (Deuteronomy 29:5). He parted the Red Sea (Ex. 14:21) and the Jordan River (Joshua 3:16, 17). He promised rains in their early and latter seasons for continuing harvest (Deut. 11:14). He promised to personally look after the land from January 1 to December 31 (Deut. 11:12). He promised military protection in wartime (Num. 10:9). It was also true that God promised total failure in all areas of their lives if they ignored His commands (Deut. 28).

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ guarantees incredible promises for born again believers. He promises His permanent salvation (John 3:16; 10:28), His abiding peace (John 14:27), and His constant presence (Heb. 13:5). He promises our daily food (Matthew 6:32, 33). He promises to come again to take us to Heaven (John 14:3). And He promises eternal victory with Him forever (Revelation 11:15; 22:5)

Joshua reviewed God’s promises and declared, "Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass" (Josh. 21:45).

Several years ago, I met Ann Palmer, the daughter of Arthur A. Luther, who wrote the Gospel song "Jesus Never Fails." She shared with me how one evening in that pastor’s home in western New York State they sat at supper desperately needing $100 to pay their bills. Luther laid out the problem, and they prayed. A knock was heard at the door, and the woman there said, "I have been sent here by a woman in Michigan. She has been so blessed by the song, ‘Jesus Never Fails’ that she sent me to find the author and give him one hundred dollars."

These words, written around 1927, have echoed around the world. With broken human promises abounding, we need to dwell on the unfailing promises of our Lord.

Earthly friends may prove untrue,

Doubts and fears assail;

One still loves and cares for you,

One Who will not fail.

_________________________

Though the sky be dark and drear,

Fierce and strong the gale,

Just remember, He is near

And He will not fail.

_________________________

In life’s dark and bitter hour

Love will still prevail;

Trust His everlasting pow’r

Jesus will not fail.

_________________________

Chorus:

Jesus never fails,

Jesus never fails.

Heav’n and earth may pass away,

But Jesus never fails.

Dave Virkler