The Promise (Galatians 3:15-29, 1 John 1:9, Psalms 103:11-13, Luke 1:26-38)

"Giraffe" by God
Six Flags Animal Park, NJ
Minolta DiMage Camera

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

One of the struggles in being human is we sometimes don't want to be honest.  So we make things up.  
    
I confess I say, "I promise," meaning if I can.  Most of us are careful not to say exactly what we will do about the promise.  This ensures we will never be guilty of not doing what we promised.  Sometimes we forget that God isn't human.  And that's a really good thing.  He will never break His promise to us.  Never ever.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.(1 John 1:9)

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities (has compassion for) those who fear Him.
(Psalms 103:11-13 NKJV)

The words, "fear Him" describe a healthy respect for God- His power, love, knowledge, authority and sense of humor.  He did create kangaroos and giraffes, you know.  He could've deleted us (geek speak) when Adam and Eve ate the apple in the Garden of Eden. But He didn't.  

15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men:  Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
God promised Abraham that he would be the Father of Israel, the nation and also the Messiah, "Jesus."  There was only one seed.

19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
We usually read Luke 1:26-38 at Christmas (story of Jesus' birth).  It actually describes what is mentioned in verses 19-20.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
The Old Testament law is still good.  It's just that as humans, we couldn't get it right.  As time passed Jewish leaders added more laws to the laws.  The book of laws could fill a room!  So glad Jesus came to set us free with faith, really glad He simplified things.  We still need to follow the 10 Commandments but we can find forgiveness when we mess up. In fact, when the second coming happens, the names of the 12 Tribes of Israel will be on the gates in Heaven.  The Jews are still chosen and loved by God.

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
No matter what race or religion, job title, nationality, male or female all who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, will receive the Promise of forgiveness and eternal life.
(Galatians 3:15-29 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up Ukraine and Israel to You again.  I pray for peace in both nations.  You are God nothing is impossible for You, please let the wrong fail and the right win. 

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes .
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.