One theme I’ve been seeing in my Bible reading lately is how intensely God is committed to his people. One day I read through three passages that highlighted this.

In Numbers 22 the story of Balak and Balaam begins. The story occurs during Israel’s wilderness wanderings.  Balak, the king of Moab, desires to curse the people of God and he has the power and wealth to hire the perfect guy to do it – Balaam. But throughout the story we see God being in complete control of everything. He controls the direction of the enemy, his choices, his words and even his donkey! Do the people of God do anything? Are they even aware of what’s going on? No. They have been wandering in the wilderness, complaining and grumbling. In fact, after Balaam blesses Israel three separate times, the people actually start worshiping Baal, the god of Moab! They are certainly not deserving of these blessings.

But God is committed to them.

In Isaiah 14 we see that God will restore his people. The people of Israel are again not deserving of blessing. Isaiah’s message is one of warning. Those who don’t bow to God are those who trust in their own might, who exalt themselves. This never works though. In verse 24 God swears that as he has purposed, so shall it stand. God’s plans for his people, for Zion will never be thwarted.

God is committed to his people.

Then in Hebrews 7 the author is describing our perfect high priest. Again, the people of God are in need because of their sin. We are in need of a high priest but a better high priest, a perfect high priest, one that will be able to make the perfect sacrifice for sin. And God shows his commitment in supplying his people’s need. Jesus is the perfect high priest who is committed to his people forever.

“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25

This thread of commitment is wonderful and can be seen as early as Genesis 3 in the promise to Eve of a future seed that will crush the serpent’s head. It comes to a beautiful climax in Jesus.

Be on the lookout for this because the more you read, the more you see of God’s great grace and the steadfastness of his character.

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things out of your law.” Psalm 119:18