Generally speaking, a covenant is a promise between two ore more parties to perform certain actions. When you stand before God and commit yourself to another person in marriage, that’s a covenant. Together, the two parties commit to love and cherish each other in sickness and in health until death separates them. Sadly, earthly covenants are often not held in highest esteem and are easily broken. If one or both members fail in their responsibilities or becomes unfaithful, the covenant is easily broken.
The Bible is comprised of two parts: the old covenant (Old Testament) and the new covenant (New Testament). Hebrews is a book that discusses at length the old covenant and the new covenant. In the Old Testament, God made several covenants with His people. But the old covenant was never meant to be everlasting. According to our verse, though, the new covenant is far better because it is based on better promises. So, why is it better? Because it’s sealed with the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:12). Jesus’ blood makes this covenant unbreakable and everlasting.
At the moment of salvation, you and I entered into a covenant with God. This covenant was drawn up by God, sealed by Jesus’ blood, and authenticated by the Holy Spirit. It is a covenant that cannot fail or be burned up. In ancient times, a covenant might be made between a king and a subject. The king would promise certain protections, and the subject would promise loyalty to the king. As covenant partners we should be loyal as well.
Here’s the thing… our covenant partner is ALWAYS faithful to His promises… ALWAYS devoted to us. ALWAYS trustworthy. He takes this covenant serious. We should as well. We should remain loyal to Him and worship and serve only Him. He should always be at the center of our affection. Loyal to Him means that I put no other gods on the throne of my heart. We should be faithful to Him… never straying, never compromising, never going outside the bounds He has set. We need to be faithful in our love, belief, and trust. And faithful to His Word. Of course, we will fail sometimes, but our highest goal should be to take our covenant relationship with God serious. Let these words encourage you today.