THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Alan Johnston

The eternal promises

So as we reach the end of January, we look back to Christmas which seems so far away. For many January is the time when we think about giving something up or changing behaviour. A New Year's resolution sits on many a person’s lips as we enter the new year . How long does it last? How many of us are still keeping to the promises we made to ourselves and to loved ones. It is so easy to slip back into the old ways before we made those resolutions. You could in some ways suggest that January is the month of the broken promises. OK, often not big promises, just resolutions of how we are going to change, change our lives and change them for the better. Diets, more exercise, be kinder and treat others well are just some of those resolutions we may make.

So, did we make any resolutions, any promises. If so, have we failed to keep them. Personally, I gave up making these promises many years ago, because quite often I'd have got to this time of year and would have failed. Somebody would always take great delight in telling me I’d failed, but then the truth is we all fail. For most of us failure is within our DNA.

Fortunately as Christians however, we have a Lord and Saviour who keeps his promises. A Lord who doesn't fail. Jesus made many promises. Some that stand out for me are:

“I came so that they would have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b

“All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:21

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mathew 28:20b

So as we look forward to the months ahead, and we identify Easter on the horizon (Easter Eggs are already on the shelves) let us value those promises that Jesus has made and remember;

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Amen