The Watchman

Read: Jeremiah 1

“I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” Jeremiah 1:12, NIV

IN WORD

God’s Word is full of promises and predictions. Many of them, like the words of judgment found in Jeremiah, are painful to think about. The others, though—the promises we cling to in desperate hours, the assurances and comforts of the character of God—sometimes seem like our only source of life.

That’s the pose of every Christian who hasn’t given up in the trials of life. We have our disappointments—broken relationships, illness and pain, shattered dreams, and far-too-distant hopes—but we trust in our God as a Restorer, Redeemer, and Healer. We sometimes waver between a crushed spirit and a victorious life, and we look for evidence of the latter. We watch eagerly, zealously, achingly, and longingly for God to fulfill His Word to us.

We aren’t the only ones. God, too, watches to see that His Word is fulfilled. Did you think you were the only one with a stake in His promises? No, He’s even more zealous about them than you are. He’s a Father of love and integrity who is absolutely determined not to lose face with His children. He may not meet us according to our expectations or timing, but He will always meet us according to His Word. The God who set us apart, who called us to do specific tasks and exploits in His Kingdom, backs us with His promise. And nothing in all of creation can put Him in a position of having to break it.

IN DEED

Much of the Christian life involves pleading God’s promises. Yes, we have to embrace the discipline and judgments found in His Word as well, but those seem to come to us quite naturally anyway. Those who know their sin need no convincing about the righteousness of God. But human nature finds it hard to trust Him for the extraordinarily extravagant blessings He’s offered, and we have to remind ourselves of them often. Sometimes we feel as if we need to remind Him, too. Remember, in those times, that He remembers His promises better than we do. And He is watching—zealously watching—to make sure they are fulfilled.

ADDITIONAL READING: Psalm 130:5-6

The promises of God are just as good as ready money any day.

BILLY BRAY