Promise Keeping

Much of the anger about the rise in university tuition fees arises from the perception that Nick Clegg has broken some clearly made promises, from his pre-election campaign. He has given his explanation for his present stance, but for those who write slogans on protest banners, this is the issue which gets people angry. But he is not the first politician, nor will he be the last, who has been accused of failing to keep campaign promises. Their general argument is that when the situation changes - as it does - then the policy and practice has to be flexible too.
Prophets in ancient Israel were recorded as making astonishing and unlikely promises, as the mouthpiece of the living God. Hence, Jeremiah, in about 620BC, when Judah was about to be overrun by the Babylonian forces of Nebuchadnezzar, makes a clear promise. '“The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.
“In those days and at that time
      I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.
      He will do what is just and right throughout the land.
In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety.
 And this will be its name: ‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 33.14-16)
We see these promises being kept in the sending of Jesus, whose birth can be the focus of our present living - rather than all that might distract us.
To know that God is a God who is faithful to his promises and committed to keeping the terms of his covenant with his people gives us great security in a rapidly changing world. As we often sing, he is the 'Faithful One, so unchanging', who is the 'Defender of the weak' and who provides the strength we need to live faithfully today. What a privilege.
Best wishes,
Richard