“God’s promises are pine trees in the Rocky Mountains of Scripture: abundant, unending, and perennial. Some of the promises are positive, the assurance of blessings. Some are negative, the guarantee of consequences. But all are binding, for not only is God a promise maker,God is a promise keeper.”- Max Lucado
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.”- Romans 4:20 (NLT)
In Chapter 1 of Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God, Max Lucado begins with the account of Paul’s appearance before King Agrippa (Acts 25:23- 26:32). Most noteworthy, King Agrippa, as well as his great-grandfather (tried to kill baby Jesus) and grand uncle (murdered John the Baptist), had people in Jesus’ circle in their crosshairs.
Thus, Pastor Lucado asks, how would the apostle Paul defend himself? For Paul didn’t appeal for mercy or call for a miracle. Rather, he responded: “And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today.”
Hence, Paul’s defense included no:
- reference to his accomplishments
- demand for preferential treatment (Roman citizen)
- attempt to justify his actions
Instead, Paul justified himself on the basis of God’s promises. As did, Max notes, the heroes of the Bible. One common denominator united them – the promises of God. For example, Pastor Lucado states:
- Noah believed in rain before he even knew what rain was.
- Abraham left a perfectly good home for one he’d never seen.
- Peter rose from the (denial) ashes of regret.
Therefore, Max describes God’s promises as polestars in the pilgrimage of faith. And the Bible provides plenty of promises from which to choose. In fact, the author relates, one student of Scripture spent eighteen months researching the number of promises God made to humanity. He found 7,487 such promises. Also, Max observes, God’s not only a promise maker. He’s a promise keeper!
Today’s question: How do you see God’s promises as pine trees in the Rocky Mountains of Scripture? Please share.
Coming Monday: the annotated bibliography of Boundaries for Your Soul
Tomorrow’s blog: “The case for God’s dependability”
