November 13, 2008
Book
of Promises
The
Bible is really a unique book in many ways. It is made up of a combination of
sixty six books, written by numerous authors over the space of the better part
of two thousand years. Yet it comes together in one incredible account of God,
His love for man and the story of man for creation to eternity.
It
encompasses a variety of literary styles.
Its
books range in content from short letters to detailed historical accounts and
prophecies. Some events are recorded in intricate detail while others receive
only a thumbnail sketch.
It
is the best-selling book of all times. It is the most read book. It is the most
loved book, the most ignored book and the most hated book.
It
is a book written to all people in general. Yet it is also a book written
personally for each and every person.
It
is simple enough for every man, woman and child to understand. It is also
complex enough to keep theologians busy their whole career considering the
exegetical, hermeneutic, cultural and linguistic components of a single verse.
It
details the best that mankind has to offer. It also shows the very worst of what
man is capable of. It shows how very thin the line is between the two extremes
and how even people who love God can cross the lines.
It
is filled with rules and suggestions that make living with others possible and
productive. It contains dietary laws and lifestyle laws.
It
is the inerrant Word of God himself, written for everyday people like you and I.
The
Bible is also the Book of Promises. It contains all the standard promises of
prosperity for obedience, of blessings, of salvation for those who accept Christ
and damnation for those who refuse.
The
biggest promise from Genesis to Revelation, is the promise of God’s love for
His people.
He
loves us enough that of all the creatures he made, He chose us to be made in His
image:
So
God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NIV
He
loves us enough to have sent His Son to die in our place:
"For
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes
in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into
the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16-17 NIV
He
loves us enough to want to spend eternity with us
"I,
Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the
Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
The
Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say,
"Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him
take the free gift of the water of life
Revelation 22:16-17 NIV
Until
next time, may you spend time in the book of promises
and
begin to understand what an incredible promise it is.
That
God promises His love to you and I.
God
bless
Darrel
Mason