Israeli Hostage Release, ‘A ̅mar, And Biden’s Promise

This week Israel breathed a sigh of relief as the IDF rescued four hostages from the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Despite the controversy over Israel’s attack, most Israelis are thanking God for returning their loved ones home.

The mother of one of the freed hostages shared with the world that she never lost hope she would see her son again. She put her faith in God. In the end, God does not disappoint us.

Whether you trust Prime Minister Netanyahu or not, you can always trust God to keep His promises to His people (Isaiah 41:10.)

• God is with His people
• Protection
• Provision
• Helper

For those of us who belong to God, we can rest in God’s promises. God’s faithfulness is what distinguishes Him from man; God does not lie like corrupt men or politicians (Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Jeremiah 17:5, Hebrews 6:18.)

Man and specifically politicians, will say whatever you want to hear to make us happy. We live in a fallen and corrupt world.

In the past, Israel desired men and earthly kings to lead them. God wanted to be their King and Lord, which is better for God’s people because God always keeps His promises.

Promise

Promises are cherished and expected by Americans and God’s people alike. A promise is defined as, “A declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified; expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.”

A promise can be applied to every area of life, promises are critical for God’s people since we live in a fallen world that hates us. God promises to comfort and protect His people to give them hope (John 14:27, Romans 10:9, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Philippians 4:19.)

The Apostle Paul reminded the early church of the Jewish teachings about the promises of God for them. God’s people are a people of promise, but not of this world.

‘A ̅mar

Israel is often referred to as the “People of the Promise,” because their ancestor Abraham received a promise and blessing from God (Genesis 12:1-5.) Ironically, there is no word for promise in the Old Testament.

The closest word in Hebrew for promise is, ‘âmar and it actually means, “To speak, declare, word, or verify.” This word is the same word used for how God spoke everything into existence in the beginning (Genesis 1:3-14.)

God gave His word to Abraham and Israel. Promise plays a keyword in Judaism. The Torah records the key promises of God for His people.

1. Bless
2. Protect
3. Make great
4. Give victory over its enemies
5. A land of their own
6. Never forsake them

Jesus fulfilled the promise of Abraham and Israel’s desire for a King. The problem is Israel rejected the King because they wanted more. They didn’t realize God had a bigger plan to redeem all of mankind and His promise to crush Satan (Genesis 3:14-15.)

Jesus reminded His followers about the promises of God to provide and protect (Matthew 7:7; 11:28-30, Luke 11:13.) Jesus was God’s Word” in the beginning (John 1:1-5.)

We serve a God of promise and truth not lies. God’s people are called to counter the lies of this world.

Biden’s Promise

God’s people value honesty and condemn lies and corruption, because lies are demonic and of the devil (John 8:42-45.) God gave us His word; Satan deceives people with his lies.

Recently, our justice system was put to the test again and found the president’s son, Hunter guilty. Pres. Biden promised America he wouldn’t abuse his power and pardon his son, the president promised to obey our laws and the jury’s decision.

He also shared that he and the first lady support their son and will always be there for him, despite his faults. Pres. Biden is faithful to his promise as a loving father. Because that’s what parents are supposed to do.

• Love unconditionally
• Protect their family
• Provide for their family

Promise should always give us hope, not fear. Despite the corrupt world of his day, Abraham trusted God to keep His promise to Abraham’s family and their descendants.

As God’s people, we put our hope in God and His will, not a man or a political party. Because only God is perfect, He isn’t a corrupt man and will certainly keep His ‘āmar!