A covenant was used when God spoke. The Israelites new what this meant, it was a new perspective at looking at things. That truth was that God wanted to open up relationship with his people. A Creator and His creation, intimately. What follows are the seven covenant promises Israelites used to make with other. These promises also apply to us, you and Jesus.
Switching of a Cloak/robe
This symbolised the other as a person, it placed vaule on other. It meant that everything they owned was no longer their own but was at complete disposal for the other to use. It was a sign of trust. David and Jonathan in the bible is the perfect example of this.
They exchanged their belts
To the Israelites the belt was not the kind of belt that kept up your trousers but it was a belt that contained your weapons. It was a symbol to each of 'strength and protection'. We stand together in double support. Whoever attacks you I attack, whoever you attack I attack.
Cut and animal in two
Those in a covenant would walk between the animal sacrifice. It symbolised that they died to their rights and that they now live for each other. They expand themselves allowing room for the other into their life. A walk of life together, forever. It is us an God walking together in the middle of the sacrifice of Jesu for life eternal. A covenant was impossible to break.
Shedding of own blood
They both would cut their hand a tiny bit and then shake hands and this would mix the blood. This was a symbol of beoming one, a life of faithfulness to each other. They would also give each other a new name that contained part of both the covenant partners name. They were now in each other. A new name means a new life with a new purpose.
They exchanged their belts
To the Israelites the belt was not the kind of belt that kept up your trousers but it was a belt that contained your weapons. It was a symbol to each of 'strength and protection'. We stand together in double support. Whoever attacks you I attack, whoever you attack I attack.
Cut and animal in two
Those in a covenant would walk between the animal sacrifice. It symbolised that they died to their rights and that they now live for each other. They expand themselves allowing room for the other into their life. A walk of life together, forever. It is us an God walking together in the middle of the sacrifice of Jesu for life eternal. A covenant was impossible to break.
Shedding of own blood
They both would cut their hand a tiny bit and then shake hands and this would mix the blood. This was a symbol of beoming one, a life of faithfulness to each other. They would also give each other a new name that contained part of both the covenant partners name. They were now in each other. A new name means a new life with a new purpose.
Speak the conditions of the covenant
It means this, that everything that is mine is now yours. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you. (Psalm 23: 5-6)
Share a covenant meal
The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine, is a symbol of a life untied. They were in each other, one body, one spirit, one life. (Gal 2:20) (1 Cor 6:7)
Plant a tree
This was a memory mark, a sign of the covenant. We usually have mates or we might call them buddies or even friends as a symbol of being able to get along and enjoy each others company. In those times a friend was someone you made a covenant with, it went much deeper and was more more meaningful. It was complete unity, complete, care, assests wewre shared for the others need, it was like being family.
(John 15: 1-5)
Check out this link it explains how the covenant fits into Gods salvation plan.
The Gospel (Link)
No comments:
Post a Comment