The expression “my word is my bond” was used in noting one with the integrity of always following through on what was promised. Based on this, many agreements in the past were sealed with a simple handshake rather than a formal signature. However, even with some signed contracts today there is often small print some may miss to their disadvantage or loopholes others use to their advantage.
Even when people promise things they truly intend to do, sometimes circumstances arise which keep them from being able to follow through. It was not that they were being dishonest, but a reality of unknowns arising to hinder their ability to fulfill what they had committed to.
Then there are those who do lack integrity and say things of which they never planned to follow through. Such individuals sometimes cause us to be suspicious of others.
Let us be encouraged that none of this is characteristic of God. Though things in this world shift and there are shifty people, God is not continually changing like shifting shadows and so we can live with the expectation of good and perfect gifts from Him. (James 1:17) Though we may sometimes struggle in accepting or understanding His timing or manner in choosing to work things out, He is fully able to follow through on every promise (and warning) He has declared. Because of that, we can solidly place our hope in what He has said.
In Psalm 119 we read. . .
“(81) My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.” (Psalm 119:81 ESV)
This psalmist would also go on to state. . .
“(89) Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. (90) Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.” (Psalm 119:89-90 ESV)
We can hope in God’s Word because He means what He has said and is fully able to follow through. His Word is not established in the things of this world, but is firmly fixed above and His faithfulness remains ongoing! That faithfulness is a signature characteristic of God because He can be nothing but faithful (i.e 2 Timothy 2:13), for He never lies. (Titus 1:2)
Jesus encouragingly declared. . .
“(35) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 ESV)
We are still reading those words. They still stand. Are we continuing to accept and trust in the hope that is ours in Christ?
Quoting from Isaiah 40:6 & 8, Peter also wrote. . .
“(24) for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, (25) but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:24-25 ESV)
The Good News in Jesus is firmly established! The hope in Him remains steadfast! God’s plan of redemption through Christ was the plan before the beginning (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2) and He is fully able to bring it to full fruition on our behalf!
Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul stated. . .
“(19) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. (20) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:19-20 ESV)
Amen! Praise the Lord! May we steadfastly rest our eternal hope in God’s everlasting Word!
Have a great day TRUSTING THE ONE WHO IS EVER TRUE!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
