Read Exodus 19:1-8

Have you ever made promises that you later failed to keep? Maybe you promised to read your Bible, go to a friend's basketball game, or even promise someone you’d make it to their birthday party.

In Exodus 19, God told the Israelites that if they would obey Him completely, He would treasure them above all nations. Because the Israelites had seen what God had done in Egypt, they responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said” (Exodus 19:8).

The Israelites made an agreement with God at Mount Sinai, but like us, they often struggled to keep it. The Bible records repeated accounts of Israel’s disobedience. Fortunately, God always keeps His promises. Despite the Israelites unfaithfulness, God continued to provide, protect, and love them unconditionally.

Today, we are still not perfect people. We may have good intentions, but we can still make poor decisions. The God of Israel is still the same God today.
Knowing our shortcomings, God established a new covenant or sealed promise with us through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Even though we may wander far from God, He continues to love us above all things and patiently calls us back to Him. Jesus is gracious and merciful, extending compassion and forgiveness that we do not deserve.

Reflect:
This about a time when someone broke a promise to you? How did it make you feel?

The image of a heart or cupid communicates love in almost any language. What image(s) might you use to communicate commitment or a promise?

What’s one step you can take this week to strengthen your promise to follow Jesus?