Scripture

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. - Romans 12:10-13 (NKJV)

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Promise Kept

During the month of December and into January, I have been reminded of the priest Simeon and the promise God made to him.  If we look at Luke 2:25 – 32, we see the promise that was made to Simeon.  In verse 26, the Bible states, “And it has been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would net see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”  What an amazing promise!


I mean, honestly, I don’t imagine that Simeon would have dreamed of such a promise, but he took it and believed it.  He didn’t dismiss it.  He did not forget it.  He allowed the promise to remain in his heart.  What a precious promise to receive, that he would see the Christ before he would die.  If he had shared the promise, I am sure he would have been chided.  “Why would God choose to show you this?”  “Are you sure it is not something you just want so badly, so you think God gave you that promise?”  Simeon was a devout man, which means that he was sold out, all in for God.  When God or the Holy Spirit said something to him, he obeyed.


So when verse 27 talks about him being prompted to go to the temple, it is no surprise that he obeyed.  It is such a blessing when we obey!  His obedience was deeply rewarded and God kept His mighty promise as we can see in verse 28 that he picked up Jesus and blessed God knowing that this child was the fulfillment of the promise God has made to him.


I want to encourage you that when God promises you something, you can trust that He will accomplish it!  He is not a carrot dangling God.  What He says, He will do.  I have an image on my cell phone cover that I simply love!  Ron DiCianni captured the moment that Simeon held the baby Jesus so perfectly.  I almost get emotional when I see it.  Such a powerful moment!


Whatever the Lord has promised, He will accomplish. You can be sure of it!

- He promises to return!  John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
- He promises to forgive our sins.  Ephesians 1:7-8 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence…” 
- He promises that you will find Him when you search for Him with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:13 “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
- He promises to answer fervent prayer.  James 5:16b “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
- He promises that you can be transformed.  Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

God will keep His promises to you!  He is trustworthy!  Will you trust Him?

Blessings,

Dawn McBride