Rom.4:16 – Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham,
I was recently reading a quote from Charles Spurgeon sharing about John’s verse in John 1:16, “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace”. One of his points was that God gives grace because of His promise. His promises are literally saturated and overflowing with the grace of God. As I reflected on God’s promise fulfilled to those He has called I began to ponder Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. Suddenly I began to connect the dots; His promises are directly related to His purpose. I decided to check out the meaning of this word purpose in my word dictionary and was amazed at what I found. This is the meaning of the word purpose in Paul’s famous passage.
Prothesis – Purpose – setting forth of the shewbread – God’s plans are set out before Him and consist of a series of His promises for those He has called.
Prothesis – a setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view, the shewbread twelve loaves of wheaten bread, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel, which loaves were offered to God every Sabbath, and separated into two rows, lay for seven days upon a table placed in the sanctuary or front portion of the tabernacle, and afterwards of the temple.
This word purpose is the word for shewbread in the Bible. This bread was spread out on the table before His presence in the tabernacle. What is the significance for our lives today? His purpose for your life is laid out before His presence. As you draw near you begin to grasp His series of promises to you. These promises unlock the beauty and the guarantee for God’s plan in your life.
So back to Spurgeon’s point, I am called by the Lord. That puts me right in the middle of His purpose and plans for this world and His promises are mine. His overflowing grace upon grace is loading me up with the promises of God.
Promise? “I PROMISE”!