In a world where promises are easily made and broken, many people are skeptical about the value of them. We read quotes such as, “The problem with promises is that once you’ve made one, it’s bound to be broken. It’s like an unspoken cosmic rule.”
So how good is a promise? Well, it depends on the content of the promise as well as the character and ability of the promise-maker. Thankfully, as believers in Jesus, we don’t need to be skeptical about promises. We’re recipients of promises that are “great and precious” (2 Peter 1:4), and as C. H. Spurgeon says, “[God] who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it.”
Today’s reading provides some compelling insights. God promised that all believers—Jews and Gentiles, men and women, old and young, servant and master—would possess the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29). This is an amazing promise, because at this point in history God’s people had been identified by circumcision and by obedience to the Torah. The Holy Spirit had come upon certain people for specific purposes only—such as Bezalel in Exodus 35:31.
We read of the amazing fulfillment of Jesus’ prophetic promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-6—something that is still being fulfilled. For anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will receive His Holy Spirit as a seal for the day of redemption as well as empowerment to live the Christian life (Ephesians 3:16; 4:30).
Just as God has brought His promise in Joel 2:28-29 to pass, He will also fulfill His promises in Joel 2:30-32. The day of reckoning is coming, and God has promised that all who receive salvation will be saved (Joel 2:32).
Praise Him for being the promise-keeping God!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Nehemiah 2:1-20
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 1:20 for assurance that God is completely trustworthy and will fulfill His promises.
Next:
How will the knowledge that God is a promise-keeping God shape the way you read His promises? What promises from God are most precious to you?
Gene on April 29, 2013 at 7:03 am
The promises of God are so lasting and true. One of my favorites is: I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me. Gen 22:17-18.
tom felten on April 29, 2013 at 9:22 am
Thanks for sharing these verses, Gene. These promises God made to Abraham have been realized in God’s work throughout the centuries and in our hearts today! For those who have received Jesus as Savior are counted within “the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” God has truly blessed “all the nations of the earth” with His redeeming love!
yemiks1 on April 29, 2013 at 2:43 pm
“And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be SAVED!…” Joel 2:32
but how Marvelous the Day of the LORD will be?
weeblesno2 on April 29, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Isaiah 41:10 is a promise which brings me such comfort. “Fear not, I am with you: be not dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice.” Amen!
winn collier on May 4, 2013 at 7:36 pm
All of God’s promises are yes. This is what my hope hangs on.