Standing On The Promises

Matthew 26:61 – And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. (KJV)

Do you ever make promises? Do you usually keep your promises? Has anyone ever broken a promise made to you? We usually have good intentions, but sometimes things get in the way. Promises are made that cannot be kept. We get caught up in the emotion of the moment and promise things beyond our human abilities.

Peter made a promise like that. He promised never to forsake Jesus. That promise lasted a few hours. We make promises like that, and many times wind up breaking them just as quickly. Sometimes we are just not strong enough. Other times outside factors may interfere. Someone promises to pay a debt, but then loses their job.

Like many, my life is full of good intentions. I try, but on numerous occasions I do not succeed in totally keeping my word and promises. I did succeed in keeping one of the biggest promises I ever made, but it was not in my own power, but God's. On the urging of a pastor friend, I signed a contract taking God as my partner. The last line stated, in the words of D. L. Moody, "if you are tempted to think small, remember who your partner is." Wishing to live up to this, I said I would reach one hundred kids with the gospel. The promise was fulfilled, not by my power, but in spite of my human inclination to break promises. It was kept by the power of One whose Word is totally reliable.

Jesus made promises that seemed to be impossible to keep, but he kept them all. One of the most seemingly outlandish promises was to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days. He was not talking about the physical temple in Jerusalem, but about himself. Jesus was crucified. Then, on the third, day Jesus kept his promise. He rebuilt the temple of God. He arose from the dead. In doing so, he not only saved us from sin, but he also showed that his word is true, and can be completely trusted.

Prayer: Father, we stand on the promises that never fail. We know that, if you said it, we can totally believe it. We recognize your complete Lordship over our lives. Amen.

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