Wednesday, 6^th March 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE SUPREME COVENANT

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”– Genesis 17:2

PREPARATORY QUESTION:

1. Why did God who is the greater rather chose to make a covenant with Abram the lesser?

Talking of covenants, what easily comes to mind is the marriage covenant. Among Christians, the word ‘covenant’ is very familiar. It is however remarkable how covenants were perceived in the days of the Bible. For instance, a covenant could be a pledge of friendship (David and Jonathan in 1 Sam 23:18), a trade agreement (Ben-Hadad and Ahab in 1 Kings 20:34) or marriage.

However, there is one covenant in scripture which is superior, and it is the covenant God, out of His sovereign will, made with Abram.

In his era, the kind of covenant God made with Abraham was familiar. It was the kind where a dominant power, who having overcome another power, would then arrive at an agreement by which their relationship would be established. The greater would guarantee the well-being of the lesser while the lesser would make responsive guarantees of loyalty and service. This is what God did. He made a covenant with the lesser Abraham.

It is interesting to realize that God had to introduce Himself before introducing His covenant (Gen 17:1). “I am the Almighty God [El Shaddai],” He said. The El Shaddai committed Himself to a covenant where He guaranteed to be a God to Abraham and his seed: “I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your seed after you” (Gen 17:7).

The Lord also reaffirmed another aspect of the covenant—which he had already introduced (Gen 12:1-3)—the promise of progeny and worldwide blessing. 

Beloved, by the covenant God made with Abraham, the whole world was going to be blessed through one man [Abraham]. How? Through the seed of Abraham which is Jesus Christ. The reason is that the terms of the covenant God made with Abraham were made to Abraham and his seed. In His promise, God did not say “And to your seeds” as though He is referring to many but rather a person, “and to your seed” which is Christ (Gal 3:16). Thanks be to God that “As many [in this world] that believed in Christ, to them God gave the authority to become the sons of God. Even to those who believed on His name” (John 1:12). What a blessing to be granted the authority to be and also call yourself the son or daughter of God. Whether you are a Jew or African, Hispanic or Asian, male or female, young or old, educated or uneducated, rich or poor, it doesn’t matter. If only you believe on the seed of Abraham [Christ Jesus], the blessings of all blessings are credited to you. “If you belong to Christ, then you have become Abraham’s seed and heir according to the covenant” (Gal 3:29).

Precious, One, we have become the beneficiaries of the Abrahamic covenant. Isn't this remarkable?

Then comes the question, “What can you need such that you will have to make your own covenant with God?” What at all can the child of God need in this life such that He has to go to God and try to cut another covenant with Him. With the Abrahamic covenant the greater made it with the lesser. It will always be superior to any covenant the lesser attempts to make with the greater. This is why you need to stay with the superior covenant; it covers all that you will ever need in this life. Stay with the covenant; it makes you an heir to the promise. Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING – Genesis 17:1-14

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so. 

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How well have you been mining the covenant God made with Abraham for your life?

CONFESSION

Precious Father, I am grateful that I am a benefactor of the covenant you made with Abraham I am grateful that I am an heir of that covenant, such that everything that pertains to life and godliness you have given unto me. Thank you, Lord, that I am no longer a slave to sin but rather the child of God. Hallelujah!

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Leviticus 12; Leviticus 13; Psalm 113; Psalm 114; 2 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 6; 2 Corinthians 7