+DEV+ Message of the Covenant

Date: April 17, 2012 10:31 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Message of the Covenant

Message of the Covenant

"Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"  (Matthew 26:27-28)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 15

Covenants today are not always taken seriously. Marriage vows, contracts, and promises are easily broken. How different it was in ancient times. In the Old Testament days, animals or birds would be slain and a path created with their blood. Two partners would walk through the blood path to seal their agreement, signifying, "If you break this covenant, your blood will be spilt. If I break it, mine will be." It was a very solemn act.

Abraham had been following God a long time, but he had not yet been blessed with an heir. When God promised him a son with many descendants and that the land would be their own, He sealed it the traditional way. A blood path was made, but God walked alone. In doing so He was saying to Abraham and to you and me, "If I break this covenant, My blood will be spilt, and if My people break it, My blood will be spilt."

Only love and mercy would take such a step, for God already knew we would be the ones to break it.

Insight: We are the ones who broke the covenant God made with Abraham, yet Jesus fulfilled it, paying the price when He shed His blood.