It’s unfortunate that our modern culture does not practice or even understand the act of covenant as expressed in the Bible. Ok, I guess the slaying of animals might be a bit too much… but nevertheless, we are deficient when it comes to its significance and implication.
Now check this out…
According to the rules of engagement in ancient covenant practices, when two parties (two nations, families or individuals) made a covenant with each other, this is what they said to each other… “That is my death (the sacrificed animals). That animal died as my representative. He died in my place. As I enter into this covenant, I enter by death. Now that I am in covenant, I have no more right to live as my self. If need be, I will die for you. From now on, your interests take precedence over my own. If I have anything you need but cannot supply, then my supply becomes your supply. I no longer live for myself; I live for you.” This was covenant.
The terms of covenant were quite serious and consequential. But the neat thing is that any party, at any given moment in time, can call upon the benefit of the covenant. Why? It was Covenant.
God did that when He asked for Abraham’s boy, Isaac. God asked for him and Abraham, according to the covenant He had with God, had to give to God whatever He asked. Why? It was Covenant.
This was the deal (covenant)…Abraham desired a son, God makes a covenant with Abraham and promises Him a son… God provides and Abraham receives his promise (Isaac)… Now God wants Isaac as a sacrifice to Him and Abraham, without batting an eyeball, gives Him Isaac – Why? It’s Covenant. But instead God provides a lamb to be sacrificed. Why? You guessed it…Covenant.
So… the deal continues (oops, I meant covenant)… God didn’t take Isaac but provided a substitution for the “seed” of Abraham (Isaac and now US!). Because Abraham was willing to give to God and follow the practice of covenant, God called him blessed. Why? It’s covenant.
Then God did it again… He gave to the seed of Abraham, His son, JESUS – which we desperately needed! Why? It’s COVENANT! And now it’s our turn… we are to give Him what he asks … and what is that? OUR LIVES! Why? You guessed it again; it’s Covenant.
Anxious to read your thoughts,
Pastor Manny
