[04/13/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 04/15/2009 (Edited some.)]
My wife and I made a promise to each other when we were married; that we would be faithful to each other. That is a commitment we hold very precious because of the love we had for each other then and continue to grow in as the years go by. We still mean what we said when our vows were recited to each other and it is a promise we intend to stick with!
In this world people promise many things which they don’t always follow through on. Sometimes this is because what was promised is simply forgotten about. Then there are those who promise what they never really intended to follow through with. How sad that so many cannot be taken at their word. However, that is not the way it is with God. What He has declared we can count on.
Speaking of God, Peter noted. . .
“(3) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, (4) by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” (2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)
The Greek word translated “precious” is the adjective “timios” which means “costly”, therefore making reference to the costliness and value of God’s promises. Those promises are also not merely great, but the Greek word “megista” means “greatest”! That is the kind of Giver (or Bestower) God is! The word “epaggelmata” translated “promise” is from “epaggelma”, a word used in the strong sense of a declaration.
How much are God’s promises worth to us? Could we put a monetary value on them? Is the value not incalculable? Remember that those promises — which all have their “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20) — have come by the cost of His life on the cross. Peter referred to God’s promises as being “precious” and “very great”, even to the end that we would share God’s “divine nature”. Mankind, having been initially created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), through Christ we have the promise of that essence being renewed whereby we also escape the corruption of this world. Let us never lose sight of how great and precious God’s promises are. May their greatness and preciousness cause us to remain always faithful to our relationship with Him!
Have a great day VALUING THE FACT GOD CAN ALWAYS BE TAKEN AT HIS WORD!
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.)
