2Cointhians 1:19-20
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us–was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
What of Today’s Verse…
As we have seen, some of the promises of God are “exceedingly great and precious.” Others are very “unpopular.” The former category of promises brings encouragement, strength, hope, comfort. For example, “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me” (Psa_138:8). The latter category warns, awakens, humbles, prepares. For example, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2Ti_3:12). Yet, whether we gladly embrace a “precious” promise or struggle with an “unpopular” promise, there is the absolute certainty of all the promises of God being fulfilled. Our present verses explain the basis of this certainty. The assurance is related to the very nature of Jesus Christ.
When Paul and his missionary team preached about the Lord Jesus, it was not a “yes-and-no” message. “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us–was not Yes and No.” The character and message of Jesus is not characterized by uncertainty. He is faithful and sure. The message concerning Him, as well as the messages He proclaimed, is “Yes.” They are all guaranteed realities.
It is not that Jesus could be the Son of God. He is certainly such. It is not that Jesus might save all who call upon Him. Such is totally assured. It is not that some of His promises could possibly be fulfilled. Rather, all of them will absolutely be fulfilled. Ezekiel declared this truth concerning all of the Godhead. “For I am the LORD.
I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass–the word which I speak will be done” (Eze_12:25, Eze_12:28). Later, John added a particular word concerning our reliable Saviour: “Jesus Christ, the faithful witness” (Rev_1:5). No wonder then that “all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” Our God is going to faithfully do everything that He has ever stated in every one of His promises. The result will be great glory to Him, as He fulfils His promises in and through our lives.
Day by day throughout the family of God, some Christians live in the blessed certainty of God’s promises, while others do not. The determining difference is faith versus unbelief. Joshua and Caleb of old entered into the promised land. The rest of that generation “could not enter in because of unbelief” (Heb_3:19).
Let us Pray:
Dear Lord, I long to be a promise believer, living by faith in Your promises to me. Thank You for making it so simple and so available. You want to make promises to me, and You want me to count on You to fulfil them. I rejoice that all Your promises are Yes and Amen in Jesus Christ, my Lord!
Words of Wisdom
No Room For Doubt Or Fear
Our healing is thus represented as a special recompense for obedience. If, therefore, we would please the Lord and have the reward of those who please Him, there is no service as acceptable to Him as our praise.
Let us ever meet Him with a glad and thankful heart and He will reflect it back in the health of our countenance and the buoyant life and springing health, which is but the echo of a joyful heart.
Further, thankfulness is the best preparation for faith. Trust grows spontaneously in the praiseful heart. Thankfulness takes the sunny side of the street and looks at the bright side of God, and it is only thus that we can ever trust Him.
Unbelief looks at our troubles and, of course, they seem like mountains, and faith is discouraged by the prospect. A thankful disposition will always find some cause for cheer, and gloomy one will find a cloud in the brightest sky and a fly in the sweetest ointment.
Let us cultivate a spirit of cheerfulness, and we shall find so much in God and in our lives to encourage us that we shall have no room for doubt or fear.
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1-Samuel 15:22
