“Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” (v43-45)
I like this reminder that God keeps all of His promises, and did not fail to fulfill even one of His commitments. God takes commitments very seriously, which is why He not only keeps His word, He asks us to keep our word as well.
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (Num 23:19) “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9)
These verses show that God always keeps His word, even though we sometimes need to keep our end of a covenant, or wait, in order for the complete fulfillment of God’s word (the Hebrews waited nearly 700 years for God’s initial promise of Canaan to Abraham to be fulfilled). God will eventually fulfill His complete word, including the book of Revelation, though we are not sure when that will happen. It is written: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Mt 24:36).
My challenge for today is to not only keep our word and commitments as our Father in heaven does, but to be preparing the way of the Lord. Since we do not know the day or hour, I encourage us to live each day like He might be coming tomorrow, and not waste opportunities to serve Him or our neighbors. Let’s embrace our calling here on earth while there’s still time. I’m not waving a cardboard sign that says “the end is near”, but I am suggesting we use what time we have wisely, and in ways that are glorifying to God.
One further note: I’m not suggesting we burn ourselves out – that is not honoring to God. He actually commands us to have times of rest (the Sabbath for example). He also want us to take care of ourselves in a holistic way (spiritually, mentally, physically), and doing so is also honoring to God. All I’m suggesting is we don’t be lazy or complacent with the time that we have, lest we be caught unprepared.
Father God, Almighty Lord, holy and honorable is Your name. We humbly ask for Your Spirit’s guidance and wisdom as we live our daily lives. Please grant us courage to obey Your voice, in each moment, and seize the opportunities You prompt us to take. Please help us to work as You see fit, and rest as You command, using our time on earth wisely and for Your glory. We ask this in the holy name of Jesus our savior, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training