So, this article is yet another article inspired by a song(s). I reckon I listen to music more than I realized. Check out last week’s article “Spring Rain: Lord, Send the Latter Rain”, which was also inspired by music if you haven’t already done so. It’s amazing how God ministers to us in various ways… sermons, songs, articles, everyday life. He can grab our attention through virtually any avenue.
At any rate, this week’s article is once again inspired by music. I have two muses this week. The songs are:
1.) Anyhow by Tye Tribbett
2.) I Trust You by Jonathan Traylor
In both songs, the artists sings “your promises are yes and amen”. So similar to last week, I moseyed over to Google for a biblical reference and found the following:
But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.
(2 Corinthians 1:18-20, NASB)
Ah, there it is! Yes and Amen. But what does it mean? I think it’s rather self-explanatory but for the sake of writing, let’s explore it a little.
The text says God’s promises are not Yes and No, but rather they are Yes. In other words, Paul was saying there is no grey area here. God’s promises are Yes. There’s no if, ands, buts, perhaps, or maybes about it. If He said Yes, the answer is undoubtedly Yes. For God cannot say yes and not follow through with His promise simply because He cannot lie.
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
(Numbers 23:19, KJV)
His promises are Yes because God can’t make a promise that He can’t keep. His promises are Amen because there’s nothing else to be said after amen. We say "amen" after a prayer to signify its ending. Thus, amen symbolizes finality.
His promises are Yes; thus, we say Amen. We say amen for one because He gives a definitive yes to a divine promise. And for two, because His answer is final. No grey area at all…not even a speck. We not only say amen to God’s sovereign and perfect answer, but we also rejoice in it.
However, allow me to direct your attention back to 2 Corinthians 1 momentarily. The key phrase in this scripture is “God’s promises”. Heavy emphasis on the God part. It’s vital to distinguish between God’s promises and what we think God promised.
Sometimes, we have the tendency to believe God promised something that He did not. In Ezekiel 13, the prophets prophesized peace. But God vehemently rebuked them. God told Ezekiel to tell the people that they speak peace when there is no peace. In fact, God was just about to unleash His wrath and utter destruction upon them. What they thought was a divine promise was not in line with what God promised... it was the polar opposite.
So, how can we distinguish between what is and what is not God's promises to us? Well, number one, we should ensure that we are in communication with the right God. The prophets in Ezekiel 13 were prophets of Baal. Therefore, the promises they assumed were accurate were not from the one true and living God. Let's make sure that we are seeking God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, we need to consistently read and study the Word of God. It's called the "Word of God" for a reason. It's God's direct words to us. If we want to know what God promised us, we need to read the Bible. We should also be equally consistent in our prayers. Additionally, we should fast and pray for clarity when or if we are confused about God's promises.
God's promises are brilliant. He makes promises ranging from prosperity for those who abide in Him (Psalms 1), protection for those who rest in Him (Psalms 91), and perfect peace for those who keep their eyes stayed on Him (Isaiah 26). Aren't those fantastic promises?! It makes me sing out in my best Tye Tribett singing voice,
"His promises are yes and amen!!!"
FYI I was in perfect pitch and hit all my runs with ease :-) Granted, the singing was in my head. I'm always on key in my head... rarely in reality. But I digress. I will end this week's article here before I match my Tye Tribett singing with my Jonathan Traylor dance moves, which are also flawless :-)
Alright, that's a wrap you guys!
Have a grand week! And remember, God is good and His promises are always Yes and Amen.