Main Verse: Isaiah 48:1-3, 2 Samuel 7:8-16, Exodus

Good morning

            For the better part of May, I have been talking and writing about the Lord’s Covenant and how it applies to us today. Covenant, as you might remember, is an agreement between two or more parties with rules that are equally applied. The Lord’s laws and precepts are found in Exodus 20:1-10 called, “The 10 Commandments;” the Lord promised blessings upon the land and the people when they were faithful and proportionate curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). Understand, the Lord’s covenant was between the Lord and those under the covenant it does not apply to those outside of the Covenant (John 17:6-10). Israel had gotten themselves into trouble with the Lord because of disobedience and unfaithfulness to the Covenant despite all the warnings from the Prophets; the people reenacted the Lord’s commands rather than obeying them believing they were safe from destruction and hedged their bet with the Assyrians (Leviticus 20:23, Acts 7:52, Jeremiah 7:1-7).

            Across our great nation, there are historical places called, “Tourist Traps” in which people reenact a society or event such as the Battle of Bull Run by dressing and acting according to the era. Visitors are allowed to interact with the players by asking questions, but the players must respond as if the players were actual denizens of the era. In the same way, in our churches there are people who talk and function as if they were Christians but deny the power and authority that belongs to us in Christ Jesus and then wonder why the church fails, arguments ensue, and the church splits (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The Lord wants to be in covenant relationship with us so we might have an abundant life (John 10:10). Sadly, if we do have a covenant relationship, all the religious things we do will be a show without power and/or authority (Romans 13:1). I cannot encourage you enough today if you are not a covenant relation with the Lord do not let the hours slip away from you but use the time to settle the matter with the Lord (Psalms 118:21-24).

I.H.S.

MK

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