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Promises!

February 27, 2026

Ecclesiastes 4:13–5:7|Psalm 23|2 Corinthians 4:16-18|Mark 9:2–8

George Herbert, Priest and Poet, 1633

What is a promise?  It is “a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen.

When you make a vow to God, fulfill it!  Promise!

Perhaps one of the most familiar Psalms is Psalm 23.  It brings such a sense of peace, beauty and of a caring God, who is referred to as a shepherd.  He guides us through life’s problems offering comfort and trust.  There have been and will be dark times for all of us–times of trial, but we can rely on God for His patience and help.  We receive a promise that we will dwell with God forever!

The 2 Corinthians lesson also brings hope.  We need to focus on the regular inner spiritual renewal from God.  “What cannot be seen is eternal.”  Another promise!

The Mark passage is the Transformation of Jesus, also mentioned in Mathew and Luke.  Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high mountain top.  Jesus appeared to them in amazingly white garments – white like they had never seen before.  He was radiant!  He was accompanied by Moses and Elijah.  They were talking together.

Peter knew it was good for him to be there with James and John, but they were terrified.  Peter offered to make them three dwellings – one for Jesus, one for  Moses, and one for Elijah.   Then a cloud covered Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, and Peter, James, and John heard God say “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” and when they looked only Jesus remained.  God assured them that Jesus was his beloved Son!!!  A promise!

Patricia Cichy