Sign of the Covenant

Sign of the Covenant

Genesis 17: ⁹ And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. ¹⁰ This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; ¹¹ and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. ¹² He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. ¹³ He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. ¹⁴ And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

 

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Abram’s name was changed to Abraham by GOD. The promise was restated that Abraham would have so many descendants that they could not be numbered. But then GOD gives a strange commandment. “Every male child among you must be circumcised.” GOD then went into detail of what circumcision was and who was supposed to have it done to.

 

My Observations:

• GOD said to Abraham why HE wanted circumcision, namely it would be a sign of the covenant.
• GOD began setting apart a group of people who intentionally followed HIM.
• GOD recognized earth’s commerce and said even those purchased would need to be circumcised.

 

You, your children, your family, your friends and your employees need to be circumcised, were the words of the covenant that would begin setting apart the descendants of Abraham. A physical, permanent, outpatient operation would serve as a mark to other humans that he belonged to GOD as part of the promise. GOD does not go into detail of the root of the sigh.

 

GOD does say, “MY covenant shall be in your flesh.” The same flesh that conceived sin, will now bring forth a promise. The curse from GOD that was placed on Adam, caused every human to be born with a sin nature. GOD had in HIS plan a way to save all humans. Through Abraham, a descendant would be born.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD was so clear in HIS covenant to Abraham?
• Do you have any reminders of GOD’s promise to you?
• Can you take time today to look back at the promises GOD made between you and HIM?

What’s Not Seen

What’s Not Seen

Revelation 21: ²² I did not see a temple in the city, because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. ²³ The city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp. ²⁴ The peoples of the world will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it. ²⁵ The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there. ²⁶ The greatness and the wealth of the nations will be brought into the city. ²⁷ But nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of the living will enter the city.

 

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When I got to the new office, I asked where the printer was. “We only have a couple of printers” was the reply. I questioned “why?” The reply was, “Because we don’t use paper very much anymore.”

 

• There was no more use for a printer.
• Things were different, so the printer was no longer needed.
• There was another way in place that freed everyone up.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, noticed a few things missing from the new city. He noticed there was no temple, sun or moon. He then was given an explanation of why these things were missing.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s glory is bright enough to shine pure light.
• There will one day be no need for artificial light because JESUS will be our true light.
• No impurities that you and I have will be able to enter the city so GOD will change us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness so we can live with HIM eternally.

 

Wealth will be different. I mean, the current structure of money will not be needed in heaven. So what will wealth look like? I believe GOD will help you and me use our special gifts in ways we cannot imagine. Whatever our gifts produce, we will bring it into the city.

 

We will no longer have to worry about darkness, extension cords or batteries. There will be no more misinterpretation of what GOD is saying to us, because HE will be present to provide us with HIS light. I am glad religions, temples and lights will be done away with so we can simply be with GOD.

 

Challenge

• What observations did the writer present?
• Have you ever wondered if the tension over religion will ever stop?
• Have you pondered about GOD’s glorious light and wondered about HIS eternal love for you?

Real Light

Real Light

1 John 2: ⁷ My dear friends, this command I am writing you is not new; it is the old command, the one you have had from the very beginning. The old command is the message you have already heard. ⁸ However, the command I now write you is new, because its truth is seen in Christ and also in you. For the darkness is passing away, and the real light is already shining.

 

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Chasing dreams of titles made me think I was heading in the right direction. I got promoted again and again, thinking I was on the right track. I was placed over the nation, but that wasn’t enough. I could see the “light” at the end of the tunnel to obtaining the title that ran the “world” at that company.

 

• I did not achieve the title and I lost my identity in the chase.
• I thought being on top was the “light.”
• I was in darkness, thinking I was chasing the light.

 

John begins a complicated explanation of “real light.” In passages to follow he will go into what JESUS revealed to him. He opens with the introduction of the contrast between fake light and “real light.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the “Way the Truth and the Life” so I should follow HIM with all my heart.
• Darkness equates to the ways of the world that cause me to lose sight of the “real light.”
• In spite of what I can see or cannot see, JESUS is already shining HIS light in the world.

 

The bad news is, darkness exists. I mean, unfortunately for humans, sin was introduced into the world that blinds us from seeing, hearing and loving GOD. The Good News is that JESUS overcame this breach in the relationship by dying for all of our sins.

 

HIS resurrection reopened the door of communication to GOD and humanity now has hope. HE is willing to open the eyes of the lost and wants the best for all who truly seek HIM. I am glad JESUS is the Light of the world and I gratefully will follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• What fake light does the writer imply?
• Have you ever tried some ways that were not above the level, like lying or doubting, or slandering?
• Will you seek the “real light” which is the way of JESUS, who showed HIS love for you and me?

Placed on a Better Mountain

Placed on a Better Mountain

Hebrews 12: ²² Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with its thousands of angels. ²³ You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. ²⁴ You have come to Jesus, who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel.

 

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“Wow! This is so much better” I said to myself. For a long, long time, I fretted over a high paying job that gave me a title. When I no longer had that position, I felt bad about “myself” because I placed all my identity in the level “I” achieved. But when I let go of titles and salary, I found something I had lost years back… “me.!”

 

• I thought the old way was the best way.
• I could not see anything better because I was stuck
• I found myself and then I could see who GOD wanted me to be.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, switched over to a different mountain, namely Mount Zion. While the reader could get caught up looking at mountains, the writer emphasizes a new covenant where people are made perfect. This is a “better” mountain.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to manipulate GOD by following the law, BUT GOD responds to when I surrender my life to JESUS.
• I can feel bad about when I broke GOD’s Law by sinning, BUT GOD wants me to know I am forgiven because of the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS.
• I can be scared of GOD and frightened over HIS punishment, BUT JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me in times of trouble.

 

I don’t know a better place until I see it. I mean, I may be in a bad place, thinking I have to stay there. Abuse, and misuse are accepted as I think I am doing the right thing by staying in the fire of achievement towards fame and fortune. BUT GOD wants me to have a better life.

 

When I identify with HIM, I become a new person. My new identity is far better than any title or wealth status I think I have reached. GOD gets excited when I point people to HIS SON. HE then tells me “Well done” and places me on HIS mountain, above the problem-filled world. I am glad GOD raises me up to do HIS good and perfect will.

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer provide?
• Have you ever gotten stuck on “the rules” and notice your life is still falling apart?
• Will you seek the grace of JESUS and ask GOD to open your eyes to what HE is doing versus what you think you and others have to do, so you can accept how much HE loves you today?

Preparing for Rest

 

Preparing for Rest

Hebrews 4: ⁸ If Joshua had given the people the rest that God had promised, God would not have spoken later about another day. ⁹ As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day. ¹⁰ For those who receive that rest which God promised will rest from their own work, just as God rested from his. ¹¹ Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.

 

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“There has got to be more to life than this” I thought to myself. I went to work, ran into a bunch of conversations that were exhausting, came back to my apartment and flopped on the couch. “Is this it?” “Am I going to do this the rest of my life?”

 

• I was living to work and working to live.
• I had fallen into a rut and could not see much purpose in what I was doing.
• I worked hard trying to live but I still ran into problems.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, compares the old covenant to the new. He mentions Joshua as a representative to the old covenant. If Joshua provided the rest that GOD promised, then there would be no need for another covenant. BUT GOD spoke of a different rest.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my refuge in whom I place my trust.
• JESUS is who I can go to when I am not feeling rested.
• JESUS is my Savior and one day I will receive the rest promised to me.

 

After a trial, I feel relieved. I mean, I can breathe out and finally get rest from what I was worried about. This feeling also applies to following JESUS. As difficult as it is to live fore HIM, telling others about HIM and being an example for HIM, one day I will be with HIM to receive rest.

 

No more worries, no more troubles, no more fears, doubts or worries. Pure rest. This rest comes to those who believe that JESUS is the only one who can provide the rest. HE died for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead. HE went to prepare a place for us so we can rest from the work we do for HIM today. I look forward to this rest and will continue my “work” until then.

 

Challenge

• What work is the writer referring to?
• Have you ever wanted some rest but could not find it?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS so HE will give you what HE promised, namely rest from being weary?

Getting a Do Over

 

Getting a Do Over

Titus 3: Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. ² Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. We spent our lives in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed, ⁵ he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us.

 

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After taking the bait of an argument, I said all the wrong words. My apology could not erase what was said. After sliding on ice, I hit a pole, damaging the passenger and my car. Grousing about the weather could not undo the damage. After taking a test, I realized I made a costly mistake. It was too late.

 

• I wish I could have a do over in many instances.
• I wish I could rewind time and not do or say what was done or said.
• I wish I could install a second chance button for times when life seems to go wrong.

 

Paul reminds everyone to act peacefully because “we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient and wrong.” He then explains the root of the solution, namely JESUS. He said “HE saved us.” Paul then explains that the HOLY SPIRIT “give us new birth and new life by washing us.”

 

My Observation

• I was foolish until I met the LORD.
• I was lost and a slave to my own passion and pleasures until JESUS rescued me.
• I was the problem BUT GOD gave me a second chance.

 

Getting a do over in life would be nice. I mean, I look back at the mountain of mistakes I have made and would love to erase them. But they linger. JESUS decided to do something about them. HE died for every mistake I have made. HE was raised from the dead and placed in authority over all. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me so I could get a second chance on eternal life.

 

This do over enables me to live a life that is pleasing to the one who sacrificed HIMSELF. This is a loving relationship that knows no bounds. There is no limit to the amount of love poured out on me when I realize where true love comes from. I gladly give my life to HIM and I am thankful for a second chance.

 

Challenge

• Why do people need to be reminded by the writer?
• Have you ever done or said something that you regretted?
• Will you give your regrets to JESUS today by believing you need HIM for salvation so HE can give you a new life through the HOLY SPIRIT?

Old and New

Mark 2: ¹⁸ The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁹ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. ²⁰ But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.²¹ No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. ²² And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

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“You’re doing that the old way” someone said to me. They quickly showed me the “new” way of doing things and while it was pretty good, there were still some remnants of the old way that still needed to be done. I learned the new way but respected the old way because it had a solid foundation.

• Sometimes I think I can throw away the old for the new.
• Sometimes I think I need to do only new stuff because the old no longer has purpose.
• Sometimes I think I need to change because it is time to change.

JESUS’ disciples faced criticism of not following deep tradition of the Law of Moses that the Pharisees and even John’s disciples were following. Since HE made the laws in the first place, HE knew how they applied and why.  JESUS explains the law to me.

• JESUS says to me “The law is MY first covenant but I AM the second.”
• JESUS says to me “I wiped away all of your sins in a way the Law could not.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the only way, the truth and the life.”

But what about the law? JESUS addresses the need to continue to love the Law while recognizing the second covenant, namely HIM. HIS disciples did not need to fast while HE was there, but would need to when HE would be murdered. 

JESUS wants me to not throw away the Law in lieu of HIS resurrection rather respect why HE made the Law in the first place. HE wants me to follow the “heart” of the Law and the application won’t become sterile and traditionalized. JESUS wants my heart.

• Are you trying to follow GOD out of habit?
• When is the last time you were led by GOD out of the SPIRIT?
• Can you look at the Law of Moses and apply it with the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?