What Covenant?

By Willa Johnson

When I was a kid it was common for people to shake hands to agree on something, even if money were involved. That’s a bit different from the Old Testament custom of exchanging one’s sandal to bind an agreement (Ruth 4:7) but it’s still the same idea. The fact is it always takes at least two to make a covenant.

Before the Great Flood, God promised Noah that he would save him and his family. (Genesis 6:18) After the flood, God promised the rainbow as His sign that He would never again flood the earth. (Genesis 9:13) Throughout the Bible we read about God’s promises to mankind. And, guess what? He’s never broken a single one!

We humans are not that capable of keeping our promises to one another or to God. Consequently, we suffer all sorts of unhappiness. Sometimes we don’t stop to think how serious a broken promise can be. Organizations have “pledge drives” where members sign up to pay a certain amount over a period of time. Something unforeseen happens, and the pledge is forgotten. With the economy spiraling down, many contracts have gone awry much to the chagrin of the parties involved. Countries make and sign treaties and then fail to live up to them; sometimes never intending to keep them.

I recently read the autobiography of a famous actress whom I knew in my childhood. It was sad because her entire life has been all about her and what she wanted, whatever it took. She has never learned the truth stated in Proverbs 1:7 that: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  King Solomon penned: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14  That’s the answer to, “Why was I born?”

There is one covenant (agreement, promise, pledge or contract) that doesn’t cost a red cent and anyone can make it. If one perchance fails along life’s path, there’s a way back into grace. (I John 1:9)

Jesus answered Nicodemus by stating: “Unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”  John 3:3  When the Apostle Peter was asked by his listeners how to be saved, he responded: “Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

Promising to accept God’s gift of His Son as one’s Savior, and obeying Him, is the only covenant that really matters.

Willa Johnson writes from Phoenix, Oregon. wjhat@ccountry.com