What are God’s promises in your life?

Julian Paparella

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Put yourself in the shoes – or sandals – of a Jewish person 2,000 years ago.

Maybe you’re one of Mary’s cousins or one of Joseph’s siblings. Since you were little, your parents and relatives have told you about “the Messiah” – the Chosen one, the Anointed, the one who is to come. This Messiah is the solution to all of Israel’s problems; the one who will save us from all our enemies.

You know what it feels like to have enemies: you’ve been living under the occupation of the Romans your whole life. You are sick and tired of their injustice, their violence, their scorn. You feel like you’re living on pins and needles every day. You feel as though you are walking in darkness and you long for the light. You cannot wait for the Messiah to come and set everything right. He comes to us with salvation and healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2). He is the one whom Isaiah proclaimed as the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace” (9:6).

And so He is. Still today, our world is marked by inequalities, wars, conflict, and abuse. But the Messiah we need is not just some political saviour. He is the Messiah of our hearts. He is the Healer who comes to redeem and save us from within. He wants to establish His kingdom not in some palace or parliament but in our hearts, in our lives. The Jewish people put their hope in the Messiah to fulfill all the promises of God.

This is our hope too.

So, we can ask ourselves: What are God’s promises in my life? Surely not to win the lottery or to have a fancy car. Rather, what are the promises that God makes to me? How have His promises already been unfolding throughout my life? How is God opening me anew to His promises here and now? What are the good gifts that He want me to receive from Him in this season of my life?

God does not promise us fame, fortune, or fleeting pleasure. He comes to fulfil the deepest desires and longings of our hearts – for daily meaning, for lasting peace, for real healing, for deep flourishing, for undying love, for fullness of life, for abundant joy, for everlasting salvation.

These are God’s promises. They are the pathways to His kingdom. Our Messiah comes to us every day. Together, let us lift up our gaze and open our hearts so that He can bring His promises to fulfilment in us and in our world.