Active Theology

“Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45, NIV)

When I was growing up, my best friend and I used to make promises to each other. Maybe it was a promise to keep a secret or to follow through on a favor. Many people have experiences like this, but our promises had a special flair. My friend, Sammy, called it the “Double Pinky Promise.” You’ve no doubt heard of its basic principle, the “Pinky Promise.” Our upgrade requires two pinky fingers and incredible amounts of honor. Maybe you’ve made a Pinky Promise. Maybe you’ve broken a Pinky Promise, but no one has ever broken the Double Pinky Promise. It’s sacred.

While there are no examples of a Double Pinky Promise in Scripture (that I know of!), the theme of keeping promises can be found on almost every page of our Bibles. As we grow in faith, we must consider certain questions concerning life and the gospel.

The question that every follower of God must consider is “Can God be trusted?” Will God keep His promises? Will He remain faithful? What about when I haven’t seen Him move or heard from Him?

Here’s the truth… sometimes it can be difficult to trust in God and His promises. The trials and difficulties of life can make it difficult to trust in Him. Relationship issues, money trouble, workplace conflict, uncertain futures, or ridicule in a hurtful world. This is just a short list. What about God’s promises?

A dominating theme throughout the Old Testament is God’s promises, namely the Promised Land.

In the first book in our Bible, God promises Abraham, Isaac, and then Jacob that their numerous descendants will inherit land to call home (Gen. 12:7; 26:4-5; 28:3-4). This equals three generations hoping for this land from God. 400 years later, the people of Israel are still hoping for this land and God repeats His promise to Moses (Exodus 3:8). It’s not until Joshua – the sixth book of our Bibles – that the Israelites finally begin to enter the land promised to Abraham!

I hope you notice the repetition in the Old Testament: the land, the land, the land… It seems that something very important is on their minds continually. Although, I don’t think the focus on land is about real estate at all. What is at stake throughout the Old Testament is the trustworthiness of God. Will He keep His promise to Abraham?

How do we trust anyone? By analyzing the data. You trust your spouse, friend, or family because in the past they have proven to keep promises and commitments. You choose not to trust those who in the past have disregarded or broken their commitments.

In Joshua 21:45, the people of Israel are finally dividing the land between themselves and can call the Promised Land their home. All the long years later – centuries! – by God’s faithfulness, the people have a home and can trust knowing God did not forget His promise.

If we analyze the data of Scripture, we find that “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so, through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Cor. 1:20, NIV). The stakes are higher than any Double Pinky Promise, especially if we remember that Christ promised to return, but we can trust in God’s promises because He has never failed, nor forgotten, even if it takes a long time.

Pray: Lord, thank you for your many promises to us: your rest, your peace, your power, and your grace. We thank you most of all for your promised return. Teach us to live like you, trusting in your perfect timing. Be with us this week and show us your loving kindness. Amen.

Song: “Hold Him High” by Citizens, Mitch Wong

Your friend and Young Adults Minister at Racine Christian Church.