As we begin a new year, these days are often filled with making new commitments and promises. How many commitments do you think you make during one day? How many people have you promised your time, effort, gifts or service?
The scriptural meaning of covenant is to make a lasting agreement with God. Take a moment to think about these characteristics of covenanting and how they are different from other agreements or promises we make today:
- Covenants are always centered in God.
- Covenants are never broken by God.
- Covenants are always permanent. They cannot be adjusted or amended, only broken.
Throughout scripture we see the story of God's faithfulness in covenanting with us. God remained faithful to the covenants made with Noah (Genesis 9:1-17), Abraham (Genesis 12:1-9), and Moses (Deuteronomy 5:1-21). Even when God's people were disobedient, God offered a lasting and saving covenant through Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to you that God loves you so much that God would make a covenant with you to provide both salvation from sin and peace in life?
In what kinds of situations would a covenant be more appropriate than a simple contract or promise?
In the early days of this New Year, let's take some time to not only make new commitments and promises, but to renew our covenant with God.
Prayer for Today
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew my spirit. Guide me into your presence and lead me each day to remain true to our covenant. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
