Simply stated, a covenant is an agreement between two parties. More common words we use today include treaty, pact, deal, bargain, pledge, promise, and even guarantee. Since ancient times, people have needed to have certain understandings among one another. The Bible is where most people today likely imagine the word “covenant”, and this is where we shall focus our attention today. We find examples of promises between God and humanity, between God and creation, and between individuals or groups of people.
God initiated promises to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abram (who became Abraham) and his offspring, to the Israelites, and a new promise to the world through Christ. Promises give us a sense of security directly proportional to the ability of the promise to remain intact. As created beings, we find security of existence on this earth through ancient promises. As children of God, we find security in promises given by this same Giver who keeps His word.
OUR HUMAN CONDITION
We are bewildered, overwhelmed. We search for a way to make sense out of life. We don’t know what to do. We don’t know how to begin. We yearn for a call that will take us beyond ourselves.
Disciple
“Covenant is not contract. Contract is an agreement worked out between two parties Covenant means a binding pact between God and God’s people. God initiates covenant and stipulates all the provisions. People have the choice of accepting or rejecting it, but not of offering alternative plans or conditions. Blessing comes from trust and obedience.”
Disciple
“God does not reveal God’s will to the curious but to the obedient.
Faith is not a belief without proof;
faith is obedience without reservation.”
Disciple
“Picture the Near Eastern world in the second millennium B.C. In Egypt people worshiped the sun and Pharaoh. In Canaan the Canaanites worshiped on the high places, celebrating fertility with ritual prostitution and worship of weather gods. Peoples of Mesopotamia, including the Amorites, also a highly developed people, served many gods.
Into this world God called a people. God’s purpose was to reveal the one true God, Creator of all that is, and to show a way of life compatible with God’s holiness and helpful for human wholeness.”
Disciple
The Lord had said to Abram,
“Go from your country,
your people and your father’s household
to the land I will show you.
“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3
“God wants a people who trust, a people who will leave their familiar surroundings (gods, culture, land) and go forth in obedience to a fresh place in order to be a blessing to all the families of the earth.”
Disciple
“The disciple responds to God’s call to enter the covenant community of faith.”
Disciple
Reflection
- What are some of the ways we can tell that we are a part of God’s community of faith?
- What evidences of obedience and trust distinguish your commitment?
- Today, much of the emphasis in “contemporary” Christianity is personal and individualistic. What helps you feel a sense of belonging to the called corporate people of God?
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.”
Genesis 15:1
Food for Thought 