From my youth, I was taught that a man is only as good as his word. I remember when significant agreements were finalized with just a handshake. No signed document was needed; just a promise and a handshake were sufficient. Of course, not everyone is trustworthy. In that case, no amount of signed papers will be sufficient. It eventually finds its way back to a man’s word and whether he keeps the promise he made.

The world has changed a lot over my lifetime. I know part of what I’m about to say is because I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone. I’m sure part of it was because my dad was a pastor and also a businessman. Maybe the fact that I was the first Eagle Scout in that town played a part. It was probably a combination of all the above. When I got ready to purchase my first car, I called the president of the bank and told him what I wanted to do. He told me to buy what I wanted and come by the bank when I had a chance to sign the papers. It was several days after I purchased the car before I found time to get to the bank. They didn’t call me to see if I was coming; my word was good enough. I miss those days!

One of the greatest promises ever made is found in Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

We don’t usually look at these words as a promise. Although they were, they are remembered as a covenant. A covenant God made with Abraham. It was not a typical covenant. Most covenants are conditional. In other words, they depend on both parties living up to the agreement. But God’s covenant with Abraham was not conditional; it was unconditional, with all the responsibility resting on God.