God’s precious promises – Day 1

In 1681 Heraclitus Ridens, a poet and essayist, wrote: “He makes no more of Acts of Parliament, than if they were like promises and pie crusts, made to be broken.” History is obscure about whom he was writing but his words are as relevant today as they were in his time. His meaning is clear — promises should not be trusted.

It is a lesson we quickly learn in the University of Life. A promise is an assurance that one will do something or that something will take place and even promises that are sincerely made are not always honoured.

The Bible is packed with promises from God — promises to nations, to kings, to prophets, to leaders, to priests, and to you and to me. So many, in fact, that it is impossible to count the precise number. Estimates vary from 3 600 upwards. Some of these promises have already been fulfilled, others are yet to be. One thing, however, we can be absolutely certain, every promise that God has made will be met, for God can neither lie nor be false. We can stand on the promises of God.

In our verse for today, Peter stresses that we can escape the corrupt ways of the world with all its broken promises. For every Christian who responds to Jesus Christ and accepts him as Lord and Saviour has access to the power and promises of God. Through him we are promised that we have, at our disposal, all the resources necessary to share in his goodness and glory and lead lives pleasing to Almighty God.

That is God’s precious promise to you and to me, and to all who believe.