The First Promise Keeper

We’ve grown so used to politicians letting us down, that we often let their speeches go in one ear and out the other. Which points straight to a grander brokenness. Namely, when someone we love and trust fails to keep an important oath. Wedding vows come to mind: for richer or poorer, sickness and health, till death do us part. How about child abuse or untimely death of loved ones. When these types of promises are shattered, they leave countless memories of pain and sorrow; sometimes flowing into the next generation. On the other hand, there’s a faithful friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Thinking back, when our four children toddled about, they whined, “Daddy, does Santa Claus know where we live?” Dad reassured them, “yes kids, I guarantee you, Santa will come”. Wanting to be good parents, we honestly tried to keep our word. Yet, sooner or later, we’d forget or get busy and disappoint them. Not nice. Actually one afternoon, I left our youngest son on the soccer field. Yucky feeling. Know what I mean?

Perhaps there have been moments when we placed God in the same category of ‘not showing up when we needed him most’. But then Christmas happened and he kept his promise. He made good on his intended purpose because he loves the whole world and doesn’t want anyone to perish (John 3:16). Truth is, Jesus was slain before earths’ foundations were laid (Rev 13:8). From a natural vantage point, God cursed Lucifer in Eden and designated Jesus…the Deliverer “He will bruise and tread your head underfoot and you will lie in wait to bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15 Amp). Whereas, in the beginning, God’s foreordained plan unfolded, a new era began, and he kept every bond.

Due to God’s eternal commitment, Israel became a chosen nation (Ex 19:5). He patiently protected the Hebrew people by making a covenant with Abraham. Therefore, as believers, we’re the spiritual seed [promise] of Abraham “Now, we brethren, as Isaac are the children of promise” (Gal 4:28). Next, God allowed Isaiah to look ahead in time, and witness a miraculous event: the virgin giving birth. Tell me, isn’t that just like God to let the Lamb be born in a stable? As a result, we realize Christ’s incomparable living, dying and resurrecting proved God kept His promise. And because God maintained His solemn covenant, even in crazy times, we can believe Him.

Oh Father God, You are the ‘First Promise Keeper’. We worship and adore You. We receive the Sin-Bearer today as Christ our Lord. We believe the Lamb’s crimson flow is the only Way to You. Teach us to be just like You. True promise-keepers, going forth and bringing many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10).