A
bank note is merely a promissory note, not money per se; yet wherever it is
presented you can exchange it for its equivalent in goods. We do not often
think that way about the word of God, yet it is more reliable than money. God’s
promises are trustworthy and eternal guarantees in this life. They never fail.
Better than money, they do not diminish in value. You can stand on the word of
God under any circumstance and it will deliver -- on condition that you believe
what it says it can do.
God’s
vehicle of communication to His creatures has been His word spoken through His
chosen vessels -- like Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah and the like. God has
transmitted numerous promises through this medium that are still valid today.
Why? because He has never changed. The Bible confirms this when we read that
“He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Everything
said to His prophets, has become reality. God backs His words with deeds. “...
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but
will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which l sent it.”
(Isaiah 55:11) The more we stand on the infallible word of God, the more our
daily ventures will be crowned with success. Such a recommendation was made to
young Joshua, who took over the reins of leadership from Moses: “Do not let
this Book of the Law (the Torah) depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and
night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will
be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8) The recommendation does not stop at
mediating the word only but by putting it into practice or action.
The
property of God’s promises is that they can operate in the realm of the spirit
where money is valueless. Money can buy you material things but cannot procure
genuine happiness; though it can provoke affection, it cannot purchase lasting
love. Money, they say, can buy you the most expensive house but cannot buy a
home. Being wealthy cannot guarantee you health and strength. On the contrary
the promises of God are activated when we heed them, ponder them in our hearts
or literally claim them for ourselves – as children of God.
Jesus
said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me, and I in
him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Man is likened to a branch which derives its livelihood and existence from the
vine. Our Lord is that vine.
He
told His audience; “Have faith in God ... I tell you the truth, if anyone says
to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his
heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.”
(Mark 11:22-23) The Bible clearly states: “[God’s] word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for our path.” (Psalm 119:105) Let us use it for the purpose
intended by consulting it often.
Just
as the day lightens up at sunrise, we all have a need for the light of God,
which is His Son, to “Lighten our darkness...” that we might bask in His light.
Talking about the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world, the prophet Isaiah
prophesied: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those
living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Indeed,
the world needs such a light to show the way and overcome darkness, represented
by evil in this world. There is no degree of darkness that the word of God
cannot chase away. A speck of light is enough to ward darkness away. We are
called to be that spark, that flame and that glimmer to spread His light in a
darkened world.
In
spite of the giant strides that technology has brought to humanity, the gap
continues to widen more than ever before. There is a crying need for God in
this century more than ever. A life without God is synonymous with a plant
living without water. In the end it will die. The world has become prone to all
sorts of vices worst than Sodom and Gomorrah that will usher in a dismal end, -
worst than for the twin cities mentioned above. The world’s disregard of God’s
word has become cause for concern as it will definitely lead to destruction.
There
is hope that the word can still penetrate the hearts of men and women who would
look back and begin the process of change. Jesus promises that, “... whoever
comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)
The
word of God has never fallen to the ground. His word is true: “All Scripture is
God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good
work.” (2 Timothy 3:6) His word for us today is: “I will instruct you and teach
you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm
32:8)
With
Christ by our side in this journey through 2020, we must banish all fear. King
David made this claim; “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death I will fear no evil for You (God) are with me; Your rod and Your staff
they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
God
wants to be everything He could be for us just because He loves His creation.
Each day let us endeavour to seek shelter under His wings by spending time in
His presence. Then and only then can we say: ‘He is my Refuge and my Fortress,
my God in whom I trust.’ Surely, He will save [me] from the fowler’s snare and
from the deadly pestilence. He will cover [me] with His feathers, and under His
wings [I] will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:1-4)
God’s
promises are Yes and Amen. Stick with them!
