God Makes Good on His Promises

I am here to-night to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. ~ The Ghost of Jacob Marley, to Scrooge

As the fifth and final stave begins, Scrooge is in his bed, repeating his promise to begin anew. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is gone. Scrooge is not lying dead in that graveyard. In fact, you could argue, the man has never been more alive, bouncing around his bedroom in glee.

He exclaims, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man.”

In short, Scrooge realizes he is a redeemed man. Perhaps it came when he prayed, as the narrator tells us, a “last prayer to have his fate reversed.” For whatever reason, he has, indeed, been given a second chance and his thankfulness gushes forth in unbridled joy. “Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob; on my knees!”

It’s significant that he first mentions Marley. Given all that’s happened to Scrooge with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Marley’s visit to Scrooge might easily be forgotten. But remember what he had said? “I am here to-night to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate.”

Now that chance and hope have proven true. That possibility has turned into a reality. That promise has been fulfilled.

Promises are cheap these days. Politicians make them to get elected and break them once they’re in office. Advertisers make them to get you to buy a product that doesn’t live up to its billing. People vow in front of friends and family to love their chosen one despite whatever comes their way, then leave that person for someone else when the waters get choppy.

But God’s promises come with no such capriciousness.

In other words, no matter how dark the night, you are never without hope when you trust in the Light of the World.

Say what you will about the Ghost of Marley; it pulled through in the clutch. Made good on the promise. Delivered the goods. The Spirit tells Scrooge, in essence, It’s too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. You don’t have to wear these chains that I do. You can escape my fate.

Promise.

Excerpted with permission from 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol by Bob Welch, copyright Bob Welch.

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Your Turn

It’s not too late! If you don’t know Jesus yet, you can be redeemed, and wake rejoicing knowing you’ve been saved! If a friend or family members needs to read this today, be sure to share it! Come share your thoughts on the joy of redemption! We want to hear from you. ~ Devotionals Daily