Promise Made, Promise Kept – Hebrews 6:13-15
Sep 30, 2025 159
[13] For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, [14] saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” [15] And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. (ESV)
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God Makes Promises
Hebrews points us back to one of the greatest examples of faith: Abraham. God promised him descendants as numerous as the stars, land for his family, and blessing for the nations. However, when those promises were first made, Abraham and Sarah had no children.
From age seventy-five to one hundred, Abraham lived with the tension between God’s word and his circumstances. He faltered along the way, even trying to hurry things along through Hagar. But God had not forgotten. At just the right time, Sarah gave birth to Isaac.
Abraham’s story shows us that God is a promise-maker and a promise-keeper. His word never fails.
God Swears by Himself
Usually, when people make an oath, they swear by something greater than themselves. But there is nothing greater than God. So when he confirmed his promise to Abraham, he swore by himself.
That’s extraordinary. The God who cannot lie added an oath to his promise. Why? To give Abraham, and us, unshakable assurance that his purposes will stand.
When Hebrews says, Abraham patiently waited, it doesn’t mean he was perfect. It means that through all the ups and downs, he continued to trust God’s word. And he did receive the promise – Isaac was born, and through him came the family line that leads to Jesus.
Encouragement for Us
If God was faithful to Abraham, he continues to be faithful to his people. The same God who promised, swore, and kept his word is the God who sent his Son for your salvation.
The gospel is the good news that Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12. Through Abraham’s family, God promised blessing for the nations. That blessing has come in Christ – through his perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection. All who trust him share in the promised inheritance.
So when you feel the weight of delay, when your prayers seem unanswered, when circumstances don’t make sense – look to Abraham’s God. He will not lie. His word is secure.
Reflection
Father, thank you for being a promise-maker and a promise-keeper. Strengthen my faith to trust your word, even when I can’t see how it will be fulfilled. Help me to wait patiently, just as Abraham did, knowing that all your promises find their yes in Jesus. Amen.
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