Promises, promises

June 11, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).

Judah made a promise. He wanted to relieve his father Jacob’s distress. Judah pledged to safely transport his youngest brother, Benjamin, to Egypt and back.

Why did Jacob fret? The aged patriarch believed his son Joseph had died and doubted he’d see his son Simeon again. If Benjamin also didn’t return, the distraught Jacob would likely never recover.

Judah pledged, “If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever” (Genesis 43:9). That responsible statement satisfied Jacob.

All went well until the return trip home. The 11 brothers soon found themselves standing before Egypt’s second-in-command. The Egyptian governor (who they didn’t realize was their brother Joseph) wanted to keep Benjamin in Egypt and send the rest of the brothers packing.

Judah spoke up. He pled his case with the skill of a lawyer and the passion of a man condemned to die. He said going back to Canaan without the boy would mean the death of their father. Judah said he’d prefer a life of slavery in Egypt to returning home without Benjamin.

Giving his word, Judah planned to keep it. He didn’t know his moving speech would cause Joseph to reveal himself. A short time thereafter, Joseph disclosed his identity and made arrangements for Jacob to be reunited with all 12 sons.

Judah made a promise. Judah kept his promise. He willingly risked his own well-being to keep the promise he’d made his father. They weren’t just words; they were a pledge of his honor.

Not so long ago, spoken intentions and a handshake could seal a business deal. That practice has been replaced by carefully crafted contracts. You’d think no one living today is trustworthy.

Do you and I ever contribute to that mindset? Can others take any promise we make as Christians as a 100 percent guarantee? In our private thoughts do we ever reserve the right to excuse ourselves from keeping our word? Do we ever tell ourselves, “God will understand”?

When we break a promise, we fail to represent God. Part of God’s character is truthfulness. Abraham understood. Regardless how big God’s promises to him were, Abraham was “fully convinced that what He had promised, He was also able to perform” (Romans 4:21).

Our lives are to reflect that aspect of our Heavenly Father. A world too familiar with broken promises needs to see us represent God by putting our promises into action. God is always faithful to keep His promises. We should be too.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.