God’s Promises
Peter replied, “This promise is for you, your children, and for all who are far away—as many as the Lord our God invites.” – Acts 2:39 (CEB)
If you know your scriptures, you may be wondering what a snippet from Pentecost is doing in the readings for Advent. Perhaps it has something to do with promises.
God’s promises are timeless and everlasting. They are unlimited by season, geography, or generation.
God’s promises are multitudinous. On the day the Church was born, the Apostle Peter spoke of the promise and power of the Holy Spirit. During Advent, our hearts are fixed on God’s promise of Word made flesh, the true light coming into the world. On any and every day, God promises us healing and hope, belonging and belovedness, mercy and miracles, presence and peace, liberation and love, joy and justice, grace and growth, troubles and trials.
God’s promises are over the top. However extravagant we think they are, they are even more than all that. However welcoming we believe they are, we don’t know the half of it. What Peter said on Pentecost was truer than he knew; the promises Peter meant for Jews, God meant for everyone. In God’s promise economy, “as many as God invites” means especially the people we would rather leave out.
God’s promises are true. We may not live to see them fulfilled, but our faithful lives can hasten their coming.
Which of God’s many promises do you long to see fulfilled this Advent? For the world? For yourself? For your dear ones?
Know that this promise, too, is meant for you, your dear ones, and for all people everywhere.
Prayer
Promise-making, promise-keeping God: Fulfill my longing for you.
About the AuthorVicki Kemper is the Pastor of First Congregational, UCC, of Amherst, Massachusetts.