Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- The promise Peter referred to was the promise Jesus called "the promise of my Father" (Luke 24:49). That the Holy Spirit accomplished at Pentecost in fulfillment of that promise was cleansing empowering (Acts 1:8), and the infilling of the Spirit (Acts 2:4; 4:31).
The Old Testament promise to Israel was fulfilled for the church, the spiritual successor to Israel, at Pentecost. You are a member of Christ's church. Therefore, says Peter, "the Promise is for you." (Google image, God's Word by scribes)
Promises to individuals have their first and primary significance for that person, but what God was willing to do for any Bible character He is eager to do for you when you have need. The Promise to Moses or to the disciples is generally also God's promise to you.
The promises Paul gave to the churches are fully available for you. Paul's prayers in his letters to the churches are still being answered today. The promise Malachi gave to Israel if they would be faithful in tithes and offerings was appropriate for that day—and for this: "I will prevent pests from devouring your crops" (Mal. 3:11).
My father walked out into our garden one day and found that the gardens of several neighbors were being destroyed by potato bugs. Our garden was next in line. My parents had been faithfully tithing, so they had a right to claim this promise.
Father walked into the middle of the potato patch and prayed, reminding God of His promise. The bugs stopped at the fence, and we did not have one potato bug in our garden. The neighbors lost their potatoes. Was it legitimate for my father to claim that promise? Yes, the promise was for him, and for you.
God's promise to help Moses bring Israel out of Egypt was for that time. But it illustrates the kinds of prayer God is still answering today, particularly if applied spiritually. On the night before we sailed for India in 1940, Mrs. Charles Cowman reminded us of a promise that God had given her for the opening of our One Mission Society work in that country: "I will . . . do better unto you than at your beginnings" (Ezek. 36:11 KJV).
I puzzled for years as to how that promise would be fulfilled. But now it is very evident that God did just that. The early years saw much fasting, prayer, and hard work on the mission field, with little results to show for it. Now God is rapidly multiplying the work in India.
Did Mrs. Cowman misuse Scripture? Can we spiritualize for ourselves today a promise given to others centuries ago? Yes, under these conditions:
- Study Scripture carefully to understand what it means to those to whom it was originally given. Your spiritual application must be made in the light of this literal meaning.
- Recognize that if this is God's promise to you, He will not only deeply impress it on your heart, but will provide corroborating evidence through providence, opinions of other Christians, and deep heart peace.
- Keep your motive primarily for the glory of God, not your own self-interest, even though you may be benefited by the fulfillment of the promise.
Paul gave promises to the early church which are fully available to us today. You are still answering them for Your people, much like the tithing promise of protection available to those who faithfully give their tithes for the furtherance of Your church.
~ Our way may be treacherous at times, but if we're depending on the Lord, because He's Faithful to carry us, we can rest assured, He will not lose His grip on us. Humans will fail us, even when love is involved. But Jesus - oh, Jesus. He is the Flawless One!
Today's guest post-
Five Things Your Young Adult Children Still Need from You
Stephanie Thompson
"While we may have been young adults once, we have never parented them before. It requires open communication and incorporating wisdom from those who have experienced it as well as help families navigate this season of life."
"Learning to manage a budget, live independently , navigate a new school or work environment, own your faith, and discern career paths can feel overwhelming. Jacob Goldsmith Ph. D. says, “Although the transition to adulthood is ultimately a move toward independence, emerging adults can benefit from maintaining deep ties to their families. Parents can be a knowledgeable, empathic source of feedback.”
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| Bonnie's photo from Ithaca, NY |
The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,
located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,
broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15.
Our pastors' recent recorded daily devotions are available too.
Check out the livestream with this link: https://www.cfconline.org/
You can view past services too.
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