Wednesday
Read: Genesis 25:12–18; Joshua 21:45
SOAP: Joshua 21:45
Not one of the Lord’s faithful promises to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; every one was realized.
Devotion
God made many promises to Abraham. He promised to make Abraham into a great nation. He promised that many nations would come from Abraham. He promised to give Abraham’s descendants land of their own. He promised to bless all the nations of the world through Abraham. And, He promised to bless Abraham’s firstborn, Ishmael, even though Ishmael was not the promised heir.
The narrative of Genesis 12–50 follows the family lines of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ishmael’s family line is included in this section to show readers how God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, though it does not get the same coverage as Isaac’s family line. Ishmael was not the child of the promise, but God did make promises to him and his father, promises God kept. The author of Genesis included the account of Ishmael’s family to remind readers of God’s promise keeping character in all circumstances. This section also concludes the transition from the narrative focus on Abraham to a focus on Isaac.
Several hundred years later, after the Israelites had been freed from slavery in Egypt and were settled in the Promised Land, we learn that God again fulfilled all His promises; they were all realized. Our God is still the same today. He makes promises and keeps them. We can trust His character beyond our circumstances, beyond our own failures and mistakes, because He keeps His promises. None of God’s promises are ever left unfulfilled.
When we believe God will fulfill His promises, we can find peace in His timing. He may not have given us the same specific promises that He gave to Abraham or Ishmael or the nation of Israel, but He has indeed given us promises. He promises to be with us and never forsake us. He promises to meet our needs. He promises to give us wisdom when we ask for it. And He promises salvation and a relationship with Him for all who have faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Lord God, You alone are the Promise Keeper. Every promise You make is fulfilled in Your perfect timing. I cling to Your promises and Your promise–keeping character today. Overcome my unbelief, and help me trust in Your timing. Amen.