Turn from Empty Promises – May 31, 2019

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

Turn from Empty Promises

There is an old saying, “Promises are like pie crusts; they are easily made and easily broken.”

We are surrounded by promises given by others. We are also committed by the promises we make. What every promise shares is the responsibility to keep it. There is also the reality that many promises are broken. Hence, the proverb.

We rely on promises which is why we are disappointed when they are broken. The promised family outing is usurped by work. The promised gift is put on hold because of lack of funds. The promised change of a bad habit is broken because it is not easily overcome.

There is one promise which stands apart from every other promise, and from the proverb. It was not easily made, and it will never be broken. It is the promise Jesus gives. He promises peace—peace with our God and peace with our own consciences. The blood he shed washed away our sin and guilt. So, there is nothing for God to be angry about and nothing for us to feel guilty about. We are at peace.

Jesus’ promise stands unbroken because he is the ever-faithful God. He perfectly accomplished everything he promised to do. Furthermore, we can rely on his promise because he has given us a blood-signed guarantee. In his crucifixion, death, and resurrection we have his lasting testimony that we are at peace.

What a blessing! Because of Jesus’ faithful and unbroken promise, we can be confident and courageous, even when every other promise fails.

Prayer:
O gracious Savior, you know how much I rely on your promises. Remove every temptation, every uncertainty, and every doubt which would make me question your faithfulness. Then, through your never-failing promise give me peace, courage, and confidence. Amen