Promise Keeper

As some people claimed that the Apostles were drunk, Peter stood up, representing the other eleven.  All thoughts of his denial and desertion were long gone.  He was now ready to assume a position of leadership.  The “old” Peter would probably have argued with the hecklers or even challenged them with a sword.  The “new” Peter had a different tactic.  He used the Word of God. 

Peter told the crowd there was no reason to be surprised.  This anointing of the Holy Spirit was exactly what the prophet Joel had foretold hundreds of years before.  Joel had prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit and that the Holy Spirit would be for all people (Joel 2:28 – 29).  Peter informed the crowd that this prophecy had now come true, another reminder that God keeps His promises. 

The promises of God are key to our faith and trust in Him.  As believers in His Son, Jesus Christ, here are just a few of the promises that we can be assured He will keep.

• If we come to Him, He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).
• He has come to give us life to the fullest (John 10:10).
• He is preparing a place for us and will return for us someday (John 14:2, 3).
• He comforts us in our troubles (II Corinthians 1:3, 4).
• We are new creations in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
• He will complete the work that He began in us (Philippians 1:6).
• His peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
• He will meet our needs (Philippians 4:19).
• He has given us new birth into an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade (I Peter 1:3, 4).
• If we ask anything, according to His will, He hears us and will provide what we ask (I John 5:14, 15).

The promises of God are precious blessings for His people.  He is not fickle. He does not change like shifting sand. “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind” (Numbers 23:19 NIV84). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV84).

We serve a God who keeps His promises.  Peter boldly proclaimed that to the people on the day of Pentecost, and we can stand on those promises today!  If He said it, believe it!  It will come to pass in His time.

Read: Joel 2:28 – 29 & Acts 2:14 – 21

Food for Thought:

• Do you believe the promises of God?  If not, why not?  If so, do you live as though you believe them?