Old Faithful
H. Randall Baker
In July of 2011, we took a family vacation in which we eventually ended up in Yellowstone National Park. My son was working there at the time and actually was located at “Old Faithful.” “Old Faithful” is one of the many geysers found throughout the park. This particular geyser gets its name from its faithfulness to erupt at an average interval of 64.5 minutes. As long as folks have been studying and watching “Old Faithful,” she remains faithful.
When I think of God, I am reminded of One who is faithful. God was faithful to the promise that He made to Abraham regarding his descendants being captives in a strange land and then being brought out in 400 years with great substance (Genesis 15:13-16; Exodus 14; Acts 7:6, 7). God was faithful to the promise that He made to Abraham regarding a son that would be born of barren Sarah. Although they waited twenty-five years, the promise was fulfilled (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:15-17, 21:1-2). Once again God proved to be faithful.
A study of the Old Testament and God’s dealings with Israel by prophecies made regarding the coming Messiah all prove the utter dependability of God. God is faithful to his promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The fulfillment of God’s promises in the lives of His people is beyond description. The anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promises motivates, encourages, and cheers our souls. As we consider the promises of God, as revealed in His word, we recognize that they are based upon the solid foundation of the faithfulness of God. The fact that we serve a promise-keeping God should create a great deal of confidence in our lives. Since God proved Himself faithful in previous dispensations, He will continue to be faithful in the present dispensation. Since God promises forgiveness to all those who respond in obedient faith to the gospel of Christ (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16), we can have confidence that God will forgive us. However, I have known Christians who have struggled with accepting God’s forgiveness in their lives. The problem is often a lack of faith/trust in God. Some just do not believe that God will do what God said that He would do – forgive. We need to be reminded of the faithfulness of God.
We can look forward to the future because of God’s faithfulness. Perhaps all of us, at some time or another, have experienced the disappointment of unfulfilled promises: A parent, child, mate, or friend has made a promise only to fail to keep the promise. However, God is faithful. Therefore, we can look forward to the second coming of Christ (13:32-37), the resurrection (John 5:28, 29), the judgment (Acts 17:30, 31), and Heaven because of the faithfulness of God. It is not just wishful thinking on our part, but confidence in the living promises of God, – promises that are grounded in the living God, who is dependable and trustworthy.
The apostle Paul describes the absolute fidelity of God, including His promises to punish the unbelieving and disobedient. “For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him he will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful; he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13). God’s faithfulness is a cause of confidence in the lives of God’s faithful children. However, it should be a cause of grave concern and alarm for the otherwise. God will be faithful in fulfilling his promises to his people, but his faithfulness will also be seen in the punishment meted out to those who reject His will.
God’s faithfulness is without question. The only concern we should have is whether or not that faithfulness will be manifested in blessings or punishment. Think about it! -534 Sixth St., Marietta, OH 45750.