by Lottie Bridges
When I was growing up, we lived only a couple of blocks from “Downtown Clinton”. We walked everywhere we went, including the half mile to the grocery store. Sometimes when Mama would buy groceries, she would give us an option; if we three kids would help her carry the groceries instead of her getting a taxi, we could stop along the way and get an ice cream cone at Hoskins in the Flat. The option involved was two-sided --- Mama would do something we liked, but we had to be willing to fulfill the contingency which she imposed.
Mama knew what our choice would be --- lug those bags of groceries so that we could have ice cream at the soda fountain counter. Our Aunt Eunice worked behind the counter and gave her nieces and nephew special treatment, packing each scoop tightly so that we got good value for our (Mama’s) money. The memories of those special cones, dripping with sweetness, are reminders of IF promises made and THEN promises kept.
God’s Word is rich with many IF/THEN promises. [Note: sometimes THEN is not written, but is implied.]
I John 1:9 - IF we confess our sins, (THEN) He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: IF any man hear my voice, and open the door, (THEN) I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Exodus 19:5 - Now IF you will obey me and keep my covenant, (THEN) you will be my own special treasure
Leviticus 26:3, 9 - If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, …(THEN) I will look favorably upon you, … And I will fulfill my covenant with you.”
I Chronicles 7:14 - “IF My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; THEN will I hear from Heaven and ____.”
Psalm 91:14-16 - “IF he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; IF he trusts me, (THEN) I will protect him; IF he calls to me, (THEN) I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
I believe we all want to experience the sweetness which God, our loving Heavenly Father, has promised us in His Word. IF we are willing to fulfill the contingencies which He imposes, THEN we can rest assured that He will always be faithful to fulfill His end and will pour out sweet blessings.