A promise is a promise

Right?

From a human perspective, these three words come with a question mark. Almost like: “That’s how it works, right? A promise is a promise? You said it, so I can count on it?” There’s a hint of uncertainty in that question, and behind it a longing for security and stability.

From God’s perspective, however, those same three words come with an exclamation mark: “This is how it is! You said it, Lord, and I can stand on that. It is sure. It will surely happen!” There is firmness in that, and the strength to keep going.

A promise is a promise.

How do you hear these words?

Zechariah received a message, but he didn’t fully believe it. He doubted.

Mary received an unbelievable message—and she believed.

And what a difference in the outcome.

Can you think of a promise God has given you?

Maybe it’s something very personal—something God has spoken to you, a word you can stand on. Maybe it’s a promise from the Bible—something we can use to encourage one another.

One promise that comes to mind is from Matthew 28, where Jesus says: “I am with you—always—to the very end of the age.”

Sometimes I don’t feel Jesus—but He is there.
Sometimes I don’t see Jesus—but He is there.
Sometimes things fall apart—but He is there.

A promise is a promise. Period.

This episode of The Chosen is about the coming of Jesus—the long-awaited Messiah. He was promised. He was foretold. He would come. A promise is a promise.

And Jesus did come. What a miracle of God! And in Him, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians, all of God’s promises find their fulfillment. All of them. Because in Jesus we have enough, we have fullness, everything we need.

One last thought about promises: where does the certainty lie? It lies with the One who makes the promise.

Think about God’s character. If He makes a promise, He can absolutely fulfill it. That’s 100% certain, completely solid. You can build your life on it. And it’s just as reliable for the doubter as it is for the believer.

Look again at Matthew 28. It says, “and some doubted.” Yet even for them, the promise stands: “I am with you always.”

So a promise is a promise.

It doesn’t depend on the strength of your faith.
It depends on the God who makes the promise.

Reflection Questions

• Do you relate more to Zechariah’s doubt or Mary’s faith?
• What promise has God given you?
• How can you hold God to His promise?
• What were the first words that came from Zechariah’s lips when he could speak again?

Prayer

"Lord, what You say is true. What You say is trustworthy. What You say is solid ground under my feet. Thank You! Help me, Lord to receive Your words and to stand on them, just as Mary did. Amen."

This Reading Plan was created by Alongsiders Europe, a discipleship movement, in partnership with OneHope and Jesus.net.

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