The words we use are...
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The words we use are very important. In our conversations, we often use words that arouse excitement and expectations in the listener. One of these words is "promise." When we promise something, the listener has very great expectations that the promise will be kept. For example, every child knows if they can get mommy or daddy to promise to take them to the zoo, then the outing will occur. On the other hand, if mommy and daddy only commit themselves to try, the child knows that they are not going to the zoo. When a parent promises, the promise will be kept.
As adults we also know the value of the promise. When another adult promises that a commitment will be kept, we want very badly to believe them. Sometimes we know the promise can't be kept, but we want to believe anyway: promises make us want to believe. We want so badly to believe in promises that we make important decisions in life based on promises. Promises raise feelings of trust in us.
When God comes to Jacob, he comes with a promise. God knows the impact of a promise upon Jacob. God's promise is real: It will happen. Jacob will become a new man. In like manner, God comes to us, and we will be made new people.
As adults we also know the value of the promise. When another adult promises that a commitment will be kept, we want very badly to believe them. Sometimes we know the promise can't be kept, but we want to believe anyway: promises make us want to believe. We want so badly to believe in promises that we make important decisions in life based on promises. Promises raise feelings of trust in us.
When God comes to Jacob, he comes with a promise. God knows the impact of a promise upon Jacob. God's promise is real: It will happen. Jacob will become a new man. In like manner, God comes to us, and we will be made new people.
