When God promises…He sure promises. In the first reading, we read that God promises to raise up David’s heir to establish a kingdom that will endure forever. Forever! This is not a small promise. Not only is the eternal promise evidence of God’s sovereignty, but through the psalmist, we see that God desires to establish a relationship through His promises. “Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm.” In response to God’s character, it is no wonder the psalmist exclaims, “The promises of the LORD I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness…”

Yet, even though God reveals His character in these readings, for some reason I still find it difficult to trust God with all of my heart. I have to admit that I don’t always feel as if I can sing and proclaim His faithfulness. In response to these times, we see more evidence of God’s promises in the gospel reading: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Joseph, in faith, did as the angel of the Lord commanded.

In Jesus, God’s promise in the first reading is fulfilled. In Jesus, a kingdom is established that endures forever. In Jesus, our relationship with God is completely renewed. In times of doubt during this Lenten season when it is easy for me to forget God’s promises, I pray to be reminded of who God is and who I am because of Him. Our God, “who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist,” is a God who is faithful. He is a God who fulfills His promises.