Even though people kept messing up, God didn’t stop showing up as a promise maker and a promise keeper.

Twenty-eight times in the Old Testament, God promised that Abraham’s family would be his people, and he would be their God. This same promise is repeated in the New Testament, where it also becomes a promise to you and me, and Revelation 21 foretells its ultimate fulfillment.

When God made this promise, he made it unbreakable. He used symbols that were familiar to Abraham to say that no matter what people do or don’t do, God will hold the promise together, no matter the cost.

Lyrics

To Abraham and Sarah the call of God was clear:
“Go forth, and I will show you a country rich and fair.
You need not fear the journey, for I have pledged my word
that you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

From Abraham and Sarah arose a pilgrim race,
dependent for their journey on God’s abundant grace;
and in their heart was written by God this saving word,
“That you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

We of the generation on whom God’s hand is laid
can journey to the future secure and unafraid,
rejoicing in God’s goodness and trusting in his word,
“That you shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

Scripture Reference: Genesis 12:1-3
Text: Judith A. Fetter (1984)
Music: NYLAND, Finnish folk melody (c. 1909)
Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
Copyright: 1984 Judith A. Fetter. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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