BY CAREY KINSOLVING AND FRIENDS

 

“God promised he would never flood the Earth again,” says Katie, age 7. “He put a rainbow in the sky. God told Joseph to build an ark. It was hard for Joseph, but he did it.”

Katie, you left out the part about Joseph painting the ark many colors. Actually, it was Joseph’s coat that was many colors and Noah who built the ark. You might forget who built the ark, but it’s easy to remember God’s promise when you see a beautiful rainbow.

We live in a time when promises are easily broken. That’s why attorneys do so well. A promise is no better than the character of the promise maker. God has perfect integrity and the power to carry out all his promises.

I like the way Ashlyn, 5, described God’s promise after the flood: “God promised to never let the Earth suck into water again.” Ashlyn, you probably meant “sink,” but I don’t doubt that the ark passengers heard many sucking sounds as the huge vessel lifted and began its voyage. God started afresh with one righteous man, his family and a boat full of animals.

“I think the most important promise God ever made was that when the time comes, if you are a Christian, God will come and take you to live your life in heaven with him,” says Haley, 11.

One of the most amazing promises Jesus ever made came during the Passover meal with his disciples on the evening before his crucifixion. As he stared a cruel death in the face, he comforted his disciples with these words: “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

Few things are more comforting than knowing a home exists where you’re loved and welcomed. Several years ago, I followed my friend Pat into a homeless hotel in New York City where she conducted a Bible club. Pat said some of these children were so traumatized from living around drug dealers and wacko parents that they couldn’t speak when she first began to teach them.

Pat assured them that even though their homes were unstable, God loved them and had already prepared a glorious, eternal home for those who believed in his son. Gradually, God’s love penetrated their fearful hearts. Pat saw God’s love and the promise of an eternal home transform these children.

“I think the most important promise God ever made was to give his son for our sins,” says Mikelle, 11. “Jesus died and shed his blood for us. Before that, people killed sheep, cows and other animals for sacrifices. But when Jesus died, his blood covered us all.”

This is the contrast between two covenant promises. Under the first covenant, the blood of bulls, sheep and goats could never remove sins permanently. The high priest’s sacrifice for the people’s sins in the holiest place of the tabernacle had to be repeated annually.

“Once” is the key word in the Book of Hebrews. “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:27).

The New Testament covenant promise has been sealed with the death of the Lord Jesus as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. John the Baptist called Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Think about this: When Jesus promised eternal life and a glorious home for all who believe in him, he fully realized that his own life would be the purchase price of his promise.

Memorize this truth: “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Hebrews 9:27).

Ask this question: Do you believe in God’s promise of eternal life for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

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Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.

COPYRIGHT 2021 CAREY KINSOLVING