Have you ever been promised something?
My parents said yes to a bike for Christmas after begging for a long time, or at least that is what it seemed at my mature age of 12. The whole sales pitch was given with the correct amount of behavior adjustments, and thinking of others before myself. However, it was like they never really heard. Somehow it seemed like years before the promise was fulfilled. I never thought of how tired my parents became of hearing of my wants, when they were thinking of other more important things like housing, feeding and clothing my large family.
Eventually I did receive a bike, a purple sting ray with a banana seat. Then someone had an accident on it! My bike was no longer perfect anymore! The excitement of finally having my want waned.
I’m not implying that you should buy your child everything they want! In fact doing that, does not really help them deal with wants and needs at all. Sometimes it is good for them to not have all of the things they want. Trusting in God for everything does not automatically happen, and often is a choice born from necessity. Preparing our children for their future where they can’t always have what they want is very important.
Moses had all of the best teachers and his confidence was strong. God had prepared him to take his people out of bondage. Unfortunately they did not know it, yet….. Was God’s timing off or was it Moses?
Forty years later, a burning bush got his attention. He had given up on being a savior and settled into a life of being a shepherd with a family. God now wanted him to lead His people out of bondage. Moses wanted help. His confidence was not as strong now. Relying on God was more important, than on himself.
Upon listening to God, Moses went back and approached Aaron, his brother for assistance. After the ten plagues God used to convince Pharaoh, the Israelites were on their way.
Forty years later, standing at the edge of Mt. Sinai, overlooking the Promised Land, I’m sure feelings of remorse and joy washed over Moses. The Israelites were finally moving into their promised inheritance, but, without Moses. God had chosen Joshua to take the people into the Promised Land.
Their promise was kept! Another promise exists today!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
This was a prophecy of the Promise of the Gift!
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
The Promise of the Gift Fulfilled!
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgement against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. (John 3:17-18)
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
The Promise of the Gift Received or Not Received!
Getting gifts on your birthday, anniversary or at Christmas is fun, but Jesus is the ultimate gift from our Heavenly Father. Are we showing our children daily that we have received His gift? Are we explaining the gift to our children and encouraging them to receive it? Our children need to understand that is the most important thing in life.
