A Book of Promises
May 4, 2025
Dr. Paul Cannings
A particular prisoner, most cunning and brutal, was singularly repulsive even compared to others. He had been known for this daring and for the utter absence of all feeling when committing acts of violence. The chaplain had spoken to him several times but had not succeeded even in getting an answer. The man was sullenly set against all instruction. At last, he expressed a desire for a certain book, but as it was not in the library, the chaplain pointed to the Bible, which was placed in his cell, saying, “Did you ever read that Book?” He gave no answer but looked at the good man as if he would kill him. The question was kindly repeated, and he was assured that he would find it well worth reading. “Mister,” said the convict, “you would not ask me such a question if you knew who I am. What have I to do with a book of that sort?” The chaplain answered, “I know all about you, and that’s why I think the Bible is the book for you.” “It would do me no good,” he cried. “I am past all feeling.” Doubling his fist, he struck the cell’s iron door and said, “My heart is as hard as that iron; nothing in any book will ever touch me.”
“Well,” said the chaplain, “you want a new heart? Did you ever read the covenant of grace?” The man answered sullenly by inquiring what he meant by such talk. His friend replied, “Listen to these words: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). The words struck the man with amazement. He asked to have the passage found for him in the Bible. He read the words repeatedly; when the chaplain returned to him the next day, the wild beast was tamed. “Oh, sir,” he said, “I never dreamed of such a promise! I never believed it possible that God would speak in such a way to men. If He gives me a new heart, it will be a miracle of mercy, and yet I think He will work that miracle upon me, for the very hope of a new nature is beginning to touch me as I never was touched before.” (From Illustrations of Bible Truths Copyright © 1995, 1998 by AMG International, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)
The Psalmist said, “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.” (Psalm 119:33-40; NIV)