As people, we break our promises. Yes, we like to blame another person, but then quietly forget we have done the same thing to others. The good news is God is not like us; He keeps His promises 100% of the time. The prophet Isaiah writes about the Lord, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. [1] Isaiah 55:8-9.
When the angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her she will give birth supernaturally to baby Jesus, he also informed her about a promise the Lord made to Zechariah and Elizabeth. 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”[2] Luke 1:35-37
Just as the Lord kept His promise to Zechariah and Elizabeth, He would also keep His promise to Mary. Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary, was going to have a child in her old age. When Gabriel informed Mary of this supernatural pregnancy, it would have built her faith. At least if I was Mary and had heard this message, it would have been a confidence building. God was demonstrating His power and faithfulness to keep His promises.
Why are God’s promises so important to us? When our last day on earth comes, as believers in Jesus, we want to know our next breath will in heaven. John 3:16 gives us assurance of that promise. 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[3]
God has promised that if we place our faith in Him as our Savior, we will have eternal life. Life is brief, but eternity is forever. This Christmas season we can be thankful that God keeps His promises. For in the fullness of time, the Lord sent Jesus into this world just as He promised. Have you accepted the gift of Jesus? If you have, this is the most amazing gift you will ever receive. If you have not, don’t wait another day; ask Jesus to be your Savior. Merry Christmas!
Listen to the story of Mary here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/gods-plan-stretches-and-molds-me
[1, 2, 3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Isaiah 55:8–9, Luke 1:35-37, John 3:16). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.