Promises, Promises!
Whether we will realize it or not, our life is filled with and surrounded by promises. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a promise is “a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified; a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.”
We have all made promises of one kind or another at some point in our life, or we have had promises made to us. Here are but a few examples:
Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance…”
Wedding vows: “Do you, BillyBob, take PeggySue as your lawfully wedded wife?”
The Scout Promise: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty…”
Courtroom swearing-in: “Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…?”
Politicians: “I promise, that if elected, I will…”
Children: “I promise I will clean my room after I play this game.”
Parents: “I promise we will go get some ice cream later.”
The list above is by no means exhaustive. We could list thousands of others. But, one thing they all have in common is this: they have all, at one time or another, been broken. We all want to make good on our promise, or at least we want others to make good on theirs! A promise is only as good as the promise giver!
With all that this world is throwing at us in these absurd and crazy times, we may begin to wonder if God has forgotten His promises to us. We may lament with the Psalmist who wrote, “Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable…are his promises at an end for all time?” (Psalm 77:7-8)
Moses, the Friend of God, the one who had seen first-hand God’s miracles time and again, even had moments of doubt. In Numbers 11, we find that the Israelite nation had, once again, complained about their situation, this time it was about their “menu”. They were tired of eating manna day in and day out. They wanted a change of pace. So, God told Moses that He would grant them their wish. In fact, they would get so much that it would come out of their nostrils (Numbers 11:20). Isn’t that a lovely picture???
If you look at Numbers 11:21-23, you will be privy to a conversation Moses had with God. And what a conversation it was! Moses, in his frustrated and tired humanity, asked God (Whom he knew was the Creator of the universe) if He could supply this horde of people with enough meat to eat. Moses was focused on the need and the number instead of on God and His ability.
We do that same thing. We know God can do whatever He pleases. He created the entire universe, surely He can supply our need. But, we get so wrapped up in and focused on the circumstances that surround us and then get so trapped in the vortex of events that we take our eyes off the Lord. We begin to doubt and worry.
Instead of chastising Moses, God readies him for the answer to his question. “Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true or not.” (Numbers 11:23)
God is beyond patient with us. His desire is that we trust Him. We need to be ready and open our eyes so we can see God’s hand at work! Remember, a promise is only as good as the promise giver. Our God is the Ultimate Promise Giver. He will fulfill His promises!
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
