God Keeps His Promises

And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.
-2 Kings 13:23 (KVJ)


God is a keeper of promises. In spite of constant failings, God never relents on a promise. In this verse of Scripture, we see several things that we need to discuss and look at.


God is gracious & compassionate
If you spend any time at all studying in the Old Testament, you'll see where Israel goes through cycles. Sometimes they are living for God, sometimes their love for God waxes cold. Sometimes they follow God, sometimes they follow idols. Yet, even though they don't always love God, God always loves them. He is gracious and compassionate on them, in spite of their backsliding.  Gracious means to show kindness. Compassionate means "deep awareness of the suffering of another with the wish to relieve it.*" God wants to heal their sin disease, but they keep turning away from Him.


God keeps His promises
God had a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to make them many, that He would raise up a nation from them. And He kept that promise. His covenant provided a land they can call their own. And He kept that promise. He promised that the entire world would benefit from them. And He kept that promise. Wouldn't it be great if we kept our promises to God, in the same way He keeps His promises to us?


In their sin, God didn't destroy them, or cast them off
God could have just as easily destroyed the nation of Israel because of their sins, and cast them out of His presence. He would have been justified to do so. But He didn't. Why? Because He is gracious and compassionate, and He keeps His promises.


What does this have to do with us? Just like God showed compassion and kindness to Israel, He will do the same for you and I. He, lovingly, guides us onto the path He has chosen for us. When we sin, He forgives. Does that mean we can continue in sin? No. We must turn from sin, and follow Him.


There is one key part of this verse I haven't addressed yet. It is the very last couple words, "...as yet." The time is coming when those who rejected Jesus will be destroyed and cast away from God. Then, and only then, will the covenant be fulfilled and you will have no more opportunities to accept Jesus as your Savior. That is another promise that God will keep. Accept Jesus, receive forgiveness, and walk in the new life. Think About It.