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Bible StudyWednesday, May 12, 2010

The Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake

“A PROMISE YOU CAN COUNT ON”

Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

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(16) Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

(17) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

(18) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

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(19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

(20) and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

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All of us have probably had the experience of believing that promises made to us would be honored, only to discover that promises made are not always kept. Broken promises can lead to broken hearts and painful consequences that cause us to lose our faith in humanity; and in some cases, lose faith in God.

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I know of people who were devastated when they thought a marriage proposal was a promise that would become reality; but one of the parties had a change of mind. Since that time they have been unable to regain the ability to trust people, even when their motives are sincere. Some who actually did get married, and made promises and vows to share their lives together, have faced the chilling reality of broken promises.

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One broken promise has the power to destroy dreams, reshape attitudes, devalue a person’s self-worth; or, completely destroy their determination and will. Many times when people have been victimized by real or imagined broken promises, they blame God.

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I hope that this message will help you understand that broken promises are not acts of God. When you don’t get the phone call that you were promised; the gift that you expected; or the commitment to never hurt you again, don’t blame God.

I read an article on the internet that said; “At some point in our lives, nearly all of us will be on the receiving end of a broken promise.”

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In the text, we find 11disciples who were with Jesus as He preached, worked miracles, and taught them; they are now feeling abandoned, searching for answers to the mysteries of Christ.

He had told them that He would die and be buried; but rise again. They were hurt, disappointed, and wondering whether He would keep His promise. If they had gone to the tomb as the women did, they would have known that the promise had already been fulfilled.

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The good news is that they did what Jesus had told them to do…“go to Galilee.”  With broken hearts and hung heads, they decided to mobilize themselves and try to move on with their lives. Whatever they were feeling: doubt, anxiety, fear, or uncertainty about the promise of seeing Jesus again, they kept on going.

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Good things can happen when we don’t give up. (17) When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

You must learn from their experience: everybody won’t be supportive, some folks will still doubt; but we must worship the Lord, and believe on His promises. In verse 18b, Jesus told them “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”  

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God demonstrates that His promises are never void. He engages you with evidence of His desire to move you beyond your doubts and limitations. He gives you an assignment that only He has the authority to give. “(19) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

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After Jesus had given them their assignment, He made a promise that they could count on:

“(20b)…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The scriptures reveal that God’s promises are promises that you can count on:

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1) He has promised to supply every need we have “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19)

2) “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ”

(2 Corinthians 12:9a)

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3) God has promised us victory over death. “(57) But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

4) God has promised that those who believe in Jesus, and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. “(38) Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.

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And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

(39) The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ ” (Acts 2:38-39)