Verse: Galatians 3:15-18
15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
Thoughts
Paul is really getting into the weeds of his argument here. It can be easy to gloss over parts of Scripture like this. Especially when we are reading "devotionally" instead of to study or learn. So what can we find devotionally in this passage?
For me, as I read this, I am struck by God's faithfulness. God speaks a promise to Abraham that he fulfills roughly 1700 years later in Jesus. He speaks a promise to Abraham that is still being fulfilled 4000 years later in you and I. When God speaks, he fulfills his word.
This passage speaks an assurance to you and I that God will be faithful in our lives too, because of Jesus. Paul tells us that "no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:20). The whole narrative of the Bible leads us to Jesus. Even these old promises to Abraham are a prequel to Jesus. When he spoke that the world would be blessed through his line....he was speaking of Jesus. All of the promises of blessing, safety, and purpose are established in Jesus.
Where do you need to hear that God is faithful in your life today? What promises are you still waiting to see come to pass in your life? Where are you waiting on God?
You and I can have full assurance that no matter what, GOD IS FAITHFUL. He will never leave you or forsake you. He will stand with you in good times and bad. His mercies in your life will never fail. Nothing will ever separate you from his love. And his word is established forever. When he says you are loved: that settles it. When he says you are forgiven: no one can change that.
In the words of the Psalmist:
Your word, Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures. (Psalm 119:89-90)
Prayer
Thank you Jesus that you are faithful. Teach my heart today more about what that means. When I am feeling down and discouraged, bring your faithfulness to my mind so I can feel the encouragement of your Spirit.