Slices
Prepare
Which of all the promises of God have been significant in your life?
Bible passage
The certainty of God’s promise
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Explore
Vow, promise, pledge, affirmation, bond, guarantee… There are many words that indicate agreement between two parties. Such contracts have always been signposts of civilisation.
After explaining the relationship between God and humanity and exposing its possibilities and problems, the writer speaks about the solemnity of agreement between the two parties. The key note of this promise is this: ‘I will surely bless you’ (v 14).
This promise first comes as a swearing from God. Swearing, in its positive sense, is a verbal utterance based on trust. This promise of God, given to Abraham when he is promised descendants, can be seen in Genesis 12:1–3.
Next is an oath: God repeats his promise to Abraham at the point when he is ready to sacrifice Isaac. But God has no higher authority above him, and hence he swears by himself, to make this an oath: ‘I swear by myself, declares the Lord’ (Genesis 22:16).
The climactic point of the display of God’s love to us is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ: ‘We have this hope ... It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf’ (vs 19,20).
Respond
The history of the Bible is the story of God’s unchanging love, finally sealed at the cross. Can you respond to this with unwavering faith?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Kings 1,2; Psalm 55
Pray for Scripture Union
Today, members of the SU Retirees Network will be meeting for a day conference at SU’s National Office, Trinity House. Pray that as they learn more about the work of SU today, they will be encouraged and inspired to pray.
