Promise Fulfilled
(Christmas Edition)
Author: Ayodeji Oludapo
Date: December 25, 2024
Scriptures:
"And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." - Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Devotional Thoughts
The birth of Jesus Christ is a profound reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. In Genesis 3, after Adam's fall, God made a promise to redeem humanity from the curse of sin. He said, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel" (Genesis 3:15). This promise was a beacon of hope in a world that had been ravaged by sin.
Fast forward to the birth of Jesus, and we see the fulfillment of that promise. Jesus, the Son of God, came to redeem humanity from the grip of sin and to restore us to a right relationship with God. This was not a coincidence; it was a deliberate act of God to fulfill His promise. Although its fulfillment took many years, it was ultimately realized in Christ.
The Bible reminds us that "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19). God's promises are not like human promises, which can be broken or forgotten. His promises are backed by His character, and they will always come to pass.
I read a story of a young mother who had been praying for her son's healing from a rare disease. For years, she had been waiting for a breakthrough, but it seemed like God was silent. One day, she received a call from the doctor, informing her that her son's test results had come back negative – he was healed! She was overjoyed, knowing that God had fulfilled His promise to her.
Practical Reflections
As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that God is a promise-keeper. Whatever He has promised you in the past, He is able to bring it to fulfillment. Perhaps you're waiting for a breakthrough in your life or a long-awaited answer to prayer. Be encouraged that God is faithful, and His promises will not fail.
In 2024, if God has promised you something spectacular, take heart that the remaining days are enough for Him to bring it to pass. Keep hope alive, and trust that God will fulfill His promises in your life.
Closing Thoughts
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that God's promises are not limited to the past. He is still a promise-keeper today, and He desires to fulfill His promises in our lives. Let us hold on to hope, and trust that God will bring His promises to pass in our lives.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus, who is the ultimate fulfillment of Your promise to redeem humanity. I thank you for your faithfulness to your promises, and for reminding me that you are a promise-keeper. I bring before you my prayers and petitions, and I ask that you fulfill them in your perfect timing. Help me to keep hope alive, and to trust in your goodness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Season's Greetings from Leadway Mission! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!