Yesterday Dave and I had a discussion about good intentions and keeping promises. In a word, it’s called integrity.
I have been reading about Moses and the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. The Israelites were in Egypt because of a severe famine some 430 years earlier. At first all went well for them. They prospered. They grew in number and in wealth. However, Joseph knew that Egypt was not the land that God had promised Abraham, the land flowing with milk and honey. So he made his family promise to take his bones with them when they left Egypt.
“Moses carried the bones of Joseph with him. Before Joseph died, he made the Israelites promise to do this for him. He said, “When God saves you, remember to carry my bones with you out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:19 ERV
According to my calculations Joseph died about 350 years before the Exodus. This causes me to ask “where did they keep Joseph’s bones for all those years” and “who/what family member or group had been given responsibility for his corpse”.
The important thing was the promise was kept. Integrity was exhibited.
There’s another promise made in Genesis. It was made to Noah.
“I promise every living creature that the earth and those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood. 12-13 The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, and a rainbow appears in the sky, 15 I will remember my promise to you and to all other living creatures. Never again will I let floodwaters destroy all life.” Genesis 9:11-15 CEV
A promise made. A promise kept.
God’s intregrity is on the line. He keeps His word for thousands of generations.
“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV
If God gives his word He will keep it. He always keeps His promises.
“Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. 11 That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.” Isaiah 55:10-11 CEV
God wants us to know that He is worthy of our trust. We can ALWAYS count on Him to keep His word.
We should do the same. As His children we should imitate His character. When we give our word we should keep it. Instead of making a promise that we don’t know if we will be able to keep we should say “I will try” or “I’m hoping to”. Giving our promise or our word should not be done lightly.
Integrity!
Father, thank you for keeping Your promises. They are all written down for us to read and to believe. I desire to be like You. May I always be a promise keeper! Amen!!