April 21

Every Promise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 57:7-11 | Joshua 22:21-23:16 | Luke 20:27-47| Proverbs 13:17-19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Joshua 22:21- 23:16

“You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. But just as all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land that the Lord your God has given you,  if you transgress the covenant of the Lord your God” (Joshua 23:14-16 ESV).   

“Not one word of his promise has failed–they have all been fulfilled.” With these words, Joshua reminds the people of Israel of the faithfulness of God. God has been with them. He has fought for them. He has given them the land he promised.

God’s dealing with the Israelite people is a reminder of the trustworthiness of the promises God makes to his people. Despite the ups and downs of the people’s obedience, God’s promises do not fail. They are fulfilled.

This text is also a reminder that the promises have conditions. Failure to meet those conditions has consequences. “But just as all the good things have been fulfilled, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things . . . if you transgress the covenant.” Promises may appear to be unfulfilled, but often God is waiting for conditions to be met.

God never fails and his promises can be trusted. But we do often fail. Our procrastinated obedience or deliberate disobedience can make it seem that the promises are not being fulfilled. How quickly we forget the conditions of the promise. How often we “turn to the right or the left” (6). Delays may also be the result of other people who have yet to meet the conditions of obedience.

Through his promises, God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3-4)–everything. But we often forget that God’s promises have conditions–and those must be met.

Love God and walk in his ways, don’t turn to the right or the left but do exactly as he says. Then plead the promises and pray with expectation. You will find that all his promises are faithful–and all his words will be fulfilled.

Faithful God, thank you for your commitment to uphold your promises. Help me to walk in obedience and not turn to the right or the left. Help me to to remember your promises and trust you to fulfill them. Fill me with hopeful expectation when a promise seems far from fulfillment. Amen.