For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” Hebrews 6:13-14
Today I pause both my study of 1 Corinthians and my study that accompanies participation in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church. Instead, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at Hebrews 6:13-14, and how (and the implications of) God makes a promise, takes an oath, and swears "by himself." The author of Hebrews is describing God's promise to Abraham (see Genesis 22) to "bless and multiply" him and how he swore and guaranteed this promise "by himself". John Piper shares that "[t]here is one Person whose worth and honor and dignity and preciousness and greatness and beauty and reputation is more than all other values combined — ten thousand times more — namely, God himself. So, when God takes an oath, he swears by himself. If he could have gone higher, he would have gone higher. Why? To give you strong encouragement in your hope. What God is saying in swearing by himself is that it is as impossible that he will break his word of promise to bless us as it is that he will ever despise himself. God is the greatest value in the universe. There is nothing more valuable or wonderful than God. So, God swears by God....Now this is our God, the God who is reaching as high as he can reach to inspire your unshakable hope in him."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me a peace that surpasses all understanding, and a blessed hope - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a God...my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
