Discovering the Character of God: Anchors of Hope in Life’s Storms
- Jack Selcher
- Aug 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Even with the best intentions, we sometimes forget our promises. God does not. He remembers and keeps His promises.
On His journey from Jericho to Jerusalem. Jesus sent two disciples to Bethphage to return with a donkey’s colt. Why did they not bring back some symbol of royalty?
God remembered His promise in Zechariah 9:9 (NIV), “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The disciples saddled the colt with their outer garments. Jesus mounted it and rode toward Jerusalem. Spontaneously, the crowd of pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem spread their garments and branches on the road in front of Jesus to honor Him.
They shouted “Hosanna,” an exclamation of praise. They quoted Psalm 118:26, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.”
Mark probably sees a fulfillment of Genesis 49:10, “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.” God keeps His promises.
I once bought a Midas muffler for my car. Midas promised to replace it for free if it ever went bad. It did. They kept their promise.
A promise is only as good as the trustworthiness of the one behind it. God’s trustworthiness guarantees He will fulfill His promises.
Everyone trusts in something. Some trust science, friends, or leaders. Many people trust only themselves.
Genuine believers trust God in life’s successes and difficulties. What is your defining object of trust?
God requires fruit (Mark 11:12-19). Jesus cursed a fig tree. It symbolized Israel. It was covered with leaves but without fruit.
The glory of the Temple and its ceremonies veiled Israel’s failure to produce the fruit God demanded. Jesus cleansed the Temple market because it was not what it appeared. It was financially exploiting people.
The fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple teach that God despises outward show. He expects fruit.
You are not saved by producing fruit; however, a life in tune with God produces fruit. No fruit probably indicates no salvation.
Fruit includes helping others come to know Jesus (John 15:1–8); serving other believers (1 Corinthians 16:15); love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23); good works (Colossians 1:10); desiring the best for others (Philippians 4:17); and a praising God lifestyle (Hebrews 13:15).
God rewards faith (Mark 11:20-26). The day after Jesus cursed the fig tree, He taught the disciples a lesson on faith.
Faith in God withered the tree. Jesus challenged His disciples to exercise similar faith in God.
Faith that moves mountains overcomes the greatest imaginable problems. God rewards faith that leans its entire weight on His promises. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
See free spiritual growth resources for Christians at https://www.christiangrowthresources.com.
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,090 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 14,172 people. I invite you to examine it. https://www.christiangrowthresources.com/his-power-for-your-weakness
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