Acknowledge God's Nature, Promises and Acts - Part 2: The Covenant Keeping God.
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | December 17, 2023 | Nehemiah 9:7-8
KEY VERSE:
You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous. Nehemiah 9:8 (NIV).
MESSAGE: Today’s passage describes God as the “Covenant-Keeping God”, who keeps His promises because He is faithful and righteous. One thing the world lacks today is trust. Politicians rise giving false hopes of a secure, corruption-free society, but they fail miserably. Families are breaking down because of a lack of trust between parents and children and between husbands and wives. This lack of trust is everywhere, even in the church. But the God of the bible calls chooses and makes a covenant with people of faithful hearts.
God’s promises are evident in the lives of His chosen people. This verse resonates with a powerful message of hope and trust, reminding us of how God committed himself to establishing a covenant with a faithful man, pledging to give him a land of diverse tribes. This act is not just a promise, but a guarantee, showcasing God’s unwavering assurance to fulfil His word. This underscores the reliability of God’s promises and shows that God’s words are not empty but backed by His integrity and righteousness. This certainty brings solace and assurance to believers, reaffirming that God's promises, no matter how challenging, will be fulfilled because of His inherent righteousness.
Moreover, this passage shows that God's righteousness is actively shaping and influencing the world. It's a vibrant power that becomes apparent through the fulfilment of His promises. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness in a world where words and promises are often unfulfilled, encouraging believers to embody these divine virtues in their lives. As children of Abraham by faith, we have been called by God to receive from Him through Christ, The Mediator of the New Covenant – ‘An eternal inheritance’ (Heb.9:15); An inheritance that can never spoil or fade (1Peter 1:4), “an inheritance of the Holy Spirit” (Eph.1:14), “an eternal inheritance in heaven” (John 14:1&2), “a reward as an inheritance as we serve Him” (Col.3:24), “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16) – these promises are everlasting and this is God’s covenant to us. God can be trusted. He never breaks His promises. And in His faithfulness, we find hope and security.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
This aspect of God’s nature encourages us to trust in His promises, remain faithful in our walk, and find assurance in the righteousness of the Covenant-Keeping God. It calls for personal reflection and consideration of the implications of God's covenant in our lives to motivate us to live in faithful obedience.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, that you are the covenant-keeping God. Please help me fully trust your promises and respond to your faithfulness in faithful obedience. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: COVENANT The Hebrew term used for "covenant" in Nehemiah 9:8 is "בְּרִית" (berith). This term is crucial in the Old Testament, representing a sacred pact or agreement between God and His people. The root idea is linked to cutting or dividing, symbolizing the seriousness and unchangeable nature of the covenant.
The root meaning of "בְּרִית" goes beyond a mere contract; it signifies a binding relationship with stipulations and promises. In ancient covenant-making ceremonies, animals were often cut in two, and the parties making the covenant would pass between the pieces, emphasizing the gravity of the commitment.
The concept of covenant is pervasive throughout the Bible. One of the most notable covenants is the Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15), where God promises descendants, land, and blessings. The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24) outlines the terms of God's relationship with the people of Israel, including the Ten Commandments.
In Nehemiah 9:8, the reference to the "covenant of good deeds" reflects God's faithfulness to His promises. It emphasizes not only God's part in establishing the covenant but also the response expected from His people. The covenantal relationship with God is foundational to the biblical narrative and holds profound implications for believers today. Recognizing that God is a covenant-keeping God encourages us to trust in His promises. It challenges us to respond with faithfulness, obedience, and gratitude.
Reflections: As we reflect on the "covenant of good deeds," may it inspire us to live in a manner that aligns with the covenantal principles laid out in Scripture. Let our awareness of God's promises drive us to deeper intimacy with Him and a commitment to walk in His ways. How does our understanding of God's covenant impact our relationship with Him? Are we aware of the promises He has made, and how does this awareness influence our actions and attitudes?
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