The Shadow

Photo Courtesy togmercyseat.com

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” (Hebrews 8:6).

The Bible says in Hebrews that we have a better covenant and  promises than the Old Testament.  That is profound if you consider the awesome power and mighty acts of God recorded in the Old Testament.

The new covenant we have today dates back to the covenant God cut with Abraham. In fact, it’s a continuation of the promises God made to Abraham. (Gal 3:6-7). Repeatedly in the Book of Genesis God promised Abraham that,  He was going to bless him and make him into a great nation.  Abraham seed would be uncountable like the stars of heaven and dusts of the earth.

And Abraham believed quite alright, Genesis 15:6 says, “Abraham believed and God counted it to him as righteousness.” But at the same time, Abraham wanted a confirmation that he will receive the promise.  For he asked, “Lord how shall I know that I shall inherit this?”  (verse:8).  More or less, Abraham wanted something tangible to hold unto, in modern language, he wanted a “Binding or Legal agreement.”

You see, in Abraham’s day blood covenant signifies an unbreakable promise or agreement. In ancient civilization, and even in some primitive societies today, covenant relationship is used as a binding agreement between two parties. In a blood covenant relationship, two unequal families or parties will come together as one. The mutual term of the agreement is normally based on their strengths not weaknesses.

The power and the resources of one party are made available to the other, if they desire or needed it.  And so, the enemies of one partner, becomes the enemies of the other covenant partner. The parties are committed to each other even to the point of death. In blood covenant relationship there is no wavering and it is unbreakable. It is a tie that is stronger than even the natural tie of siblings born of the same mother.

And so, in Genesis chapter 15, God entered into a blood covenant with Abraham. By this act, Abraham knew God will fulfill His promises. That is why when God told him to sacrifice his only son Isaac, despite the fact that God had made an oath to fulfill the covenant  made to him  through Isaac.  Abraham did not waver or doubt, he got up early the next morning to go and offer Isaac as a sacrifice. (Genesis 22:1-18).

The Bible says in Heb 11:17-19, that Abraham believed that he will receive Isaac back from death, because he knew God had made an unbreakable promise to him. He did not waver in His faith or doubt the promise made by God.  Abraham believed that God will be loyal to His Word and he was  obedient to the Lord.  And God rewarded His act of obedience, even under the old covenant which was only a mere shadow of the better and more excellent covenant God will establish through Jesus Christ. (Genesis 22:16-18).

The parties in a covenant  relationship deal with each other on the basis of their covenant terms. Also, God deals with us as His children on the basis of His covenant with us. (Psalm 50:5).  But then, God’s covenant far exceeds that of man. It is beyond the natural imagination. In our Covenant relationship with God what we enjoy is far beyond the abilities of man. It is a supernatural covenant with unlimited power and the resources of heaven!  Praise God!

Prayer Confession: Father I exalt and praise your name. You are a loving and wonderful God. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens. You have exalted your Word above your name. Thank you for opening my eyes to see the power of covenant relationship with you. I have an everlasting covenant established with the blood Jesus Christ. Help me to live a covenant  conscious life. Your promises are yes and amen. I will walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to serve you with a sincere and loyal heart. I receive the grace to walk in strength and obedience to your will. I am more than a conqueror as I stand on the solid rock of Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: “He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous.” (Romans 4:21-22).