A Covenant of God’s making!
The word "covenant, " infrequently heard in conversation, is quite commonly used in legal (contracts), social (marriage), and religious and theological contexts (Bible). The term "covenant" is of Latin origin (con venire), meaning a coming together. It presupposes two or more parties who come together to make a contract, agreeing on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities.
God is the initiator of all the covenants He made with mankind.
Noah Covenant: The first covenant appeared after the great flood. God solemnly promises never to destroy creation again (Gen. 9:8-11).
Abrahamic Covenant: The second covenant of God is with Abraham. God chooses him and blesses him. Through him, blessings will come to nations. (Gen.12:2)
Mosaic Covenant: Abraham’s descendants, the tribe of Israel, were next to establish a covenant with God. As His set of people, the covenant expects Israel to obey the commands God gave to Moses. (Exod. 20):
Davidic Covenant: The tribe of Israel then became a great nation ruled by King David. God’s covenant with David involves David’s descendants and promises that He will build a dynasty for David. (1 Chr. 17)
New Covenant: The New Covenant is God’s own solution to men’s failures in keeping the covenants. And it is fully expressed through the Person of Jesus.
The Lord Almighty has made these covenants/agreements with man, and He has kept every one of them faithfully. The sad part is that mankind has failed time and time again to keep their end of the bargain. Thanks be to God He has not given up on us, even though we have constantly fallen away from Him and His perfect plan for us.
In Jeremiah 31:31-34, the prophet talks about the new covenant God will make with His people Israel. This new covenant was necessary because His people had been guilty of continuously breaking the old one. The new covenant that was made by the Lord was ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the Savior of all men, the only one who could carry out man’s side of the covenant perfectly. In Jesus the covenant was sealed for eternity. For in Christ God promised to forgive each person’s iniquities and remember their sins no more!
Dear saints of the Lord, we are the people of God in 2022, and the covenant Jesus solidified, in His Father’s name, is as valid for us today, as it was for those believers nearly 2000 years ago. Thank you, Lord, for Your amazing faithfulness to be a covenant keeper. May we praise, honor, and glorify You for when we have been weak to do Your will, You have been strong to carry us! Pastor McCarty
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