A promise made is a promise fulfilled (Luke 1:55)

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:55 (TM) – larger reading Luke 1:47-56

It's exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

STORY:

Booker T. Washington describes meeting an ex-slave from Virginia in his book Up From Slavery : "I found that this man had made a contract with his master, two or three years previous to the Emancipation Proclamation, to the effect that the slave was to be permitted to buy himself, by paying so much per year for his body; and while he was paying for himself, he was to be permitted to labor where and for whom he pleased.

"Finding that he could secure better wages in Ohio, he went there. When freedom came, he was still in debt to his master some three hundred dollars. Notwithstanding that the Emancipation Proclamation freed him from any obligation to his master, this black man walked the greater portion of the distance back to where his old master lived in Virginia, and placed the last dollar, with interest, in his hands.

In talking to me about this, the man told me that he knew that he did not have to pay his debt, but that he had given his word to his master, and his word he had never broken. He felt that he could not enjoy his freedom till he had fulfilled his promise." 

OBSERVATION:

Mary sings a song. She feels that of all women she is the most blessed. In her song she remembers the fullness that God is a promise keeper. She remembers with a thankful heart. God is magnificent and her heart is filled with rejoicing.

They are words that no parent wants to hear: “But you promised!” followed by tears. Many a promise has been broken. Too many promises have gone unfilled. A wise parent quickly learns to house their response with a “I’ll think about it” or “We’ll see” or some other safe response that leaves the future reality open. Broken promises like broken hearts are hard to repair. Oh, the trials of being a human parent.

Thanks be to the Almighty that he never breaks a promise. With God, a promise made is a promise fulfilled… and for that we, along with Mary, can sing the magnificent song of praise and thanksgiving… that God, unlike human parents, always keeps his promises.

It sure makes living a whole lot easier knowing that God keeps his promises. I just wish I could be so faithful.

PRAYER:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for keeping all of your promises. Gracious God, we know that we can trust your word and live a life of victory. Thank you for keeping all of your promises.