I was particularly struck by a swipe from David Cameron, reminding the people of Scotland that they should not believe the promises made by Alex Salmond that everything would be better if they voted 'Yes'.
What amazed me is that we are mostly used to politicians of all sorts making promises that don't get fulfilled - even David Cameron. So it is a bit rich that he should use that weapon against his opponent!
In contrast, the God of the Bible is presented as one who is faithful and trustworthy, and whose promises for change are fulfilled. At our Church Council last evening we were looking at words from St. Peter's second letter.
'By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvellous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. (2 Peter 1.3-5)
Peter sets out what God has done to enable us to live a changed life, in which we are godly.
First, we come to know God in and through Jesus. Then we begin to notice that God has has given us great and precious promises., and we start to live our lives trusting that what he says he means to deliver. So our weak and selfish lives begin to be transformed, and we find our shabby lives are set free from the world’s corruption caused by human desires.. And by his divine power, we start to share his divine nature.
That is all going on within us day by day, as we seek to make every effort to respond to God’s promises. This is the part which we play in our own transformation, as we seek to continue well in our following of Jesus. This makes every day an exciting and life changing experience.
Best wishes,
Richard
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