Matthew 2:4-6 NKJV
[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. [5] So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: [6] ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.”
The birth of Jesus was a promise right from the garden of Eden after Adam and Eve fell. The prophets of old had foretold the coming of a Messiah who would deliver Israel and even when the wise men came to Herod, and he summoned for the teachers of the law, they knew exactly what the prophecy about the messiah said. Sadly, when it came to pass, they were so steeped in dead religion that they missed it.
The birth of Jesus is a confirmation of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling what he promises. So many things had been foretold about the messiah, and for his birth to align to all that was prophesied about him is a miracle that only God can do.
Jesus also made promises while he walked the face of this earth. He declared that he is the resurrection and the life, and that he would lay down his life and three days later come back from the dead. No one else had ever made such a claim, and Jesus did just as he had claimed, proving that he keeps his promises.
The bible says that all God’s promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus. This is to encourage us to hold on and keep believing, regardless of what we see in the natural. If God promised it, then in his time he will deliver it.
2 Peter 3:9 NKJV
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward [a]us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
As someone once said, “if God said it, I believe it and that settles it”. Amen.
Reflections.
Has someone ever made a considerable promise to you that they did not fulfil? What was it, and how did it make you feel?
What promise did you make to someone, and you are yet to fulfil? Ask God to remind you and ensure you fulfil it.
What promise from God are you waiting on? Hold on because he who promises is faithful.
