God made an unconditional promise to Abraham that he and his descendants would be blessed and that they would possess the land that God gave them. The survivors of the destruction of Jerusalem could not understand how this disaster could have been part of God’s plan. They appealed to the promise of God to Abraham and resolved that they should rise up and take their land back. This might sound like faith, but it isn’t. God’s promises are absolutely sure, and God is faithful. But those promises are given for the sake of God’s purpose. They are unconditional in that we don’t earn God’s blessings. But his promises cannot be invoked for purposes other than God’s purpose. The small band of survivors back in Jerusalem wanted to invoke the covenant promise for a goal that was contrary to God’s purpose. So, God, being faithful to his purpose, would faithfully deny their requests. If we are not walking in God’s purpose, then neither do we live under his promise. The survivors of the destruction of Jerusalem may well have wondered how such a catastrophe could fit into God’s purpose but they were not in God’s purpose and that is why the catastrophe happened. If you choose to live in God’s purpose, then your future is secure because the road is already laid out. God’s promises will be realised in and through your life. If it does not seem so, however, don’t assume that you are outside of God’s purpose. God’s answers often come in unexpected forms. Be patient. God will show himself faithful.
Ask God to lead you in his purpose for your life.
Read Ezekiel 33:21-33
