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REFLECTION

“A covenant renewed” is the theme for our reflection. The meaning of covenant in the context of the Bible is an agreement between God and his people, in which God makes promises to his people and the people on the other hand are required to obey Him. A covenant renewed means a people resolve to faithfully fulfil their obligation in the covenant even as the Lord continue to fulfil His promises under the covenant. We shall reflect on the fact that a covenant renewal goes beyond mere pronouncement of vows or promises. A covenant renewal is our commitment to obey God, it is a life of total submission to serve God and to do His will all the days of our lives.

Beloved in the Lord, when it comes to renewing our covenant with God, we must walk the talk. In other words, we must say what we mean and mean what we say because God knows our true intentions. Joshua during his last days on earth as a result of ageing, led the people of Israel to renew their covenant with God. He first recounted the history of Israel emphasizing God’s immeasurable divine redemption and consistent protection over the nation starting from Abraham to the current generation. (Joshua 24:1-18) It was now the turn of the current generation to renew their covenant with God, therefore Joshua said ” “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “Yes, we are witnesses, ” they replied. 23 “Now then,” said Joshua, “throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.” 25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem, he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws. 26 And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD. 27 “See!” he said to all the people. “This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God.” (Joshua 24:22-27) The consequences of disobeying God or taking for granted the terms of the covenant are stated in Joshua 24:19-21 when He  “…said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you.” 21 But the people said to Joshua, “No! We will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:19-21)

Beloved in the Lord, as Christians the only way to stay committed to our covenant relationship with God is when we follow the perfect example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Stone of remembrance and also the Living Word of God in our lives. God said “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). During the Transfiguration event, He said again, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5) Jesus has shown us how to please God in all His teachings and actions, therefore, to renew our covenant with God we must be ready to believe Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and follow His perfect example to be counted worthy of His salvation.

In summary, we have discovered that a covenant renewal goes beyond the mere pronouncement of vows or promises. A covenant renewal is our commitment to obey God, it is a life of total submission to serve God and to do His will all the days of our lives.

PRAYER
May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to live a life of obedience in fulfilling our covenant obligation and may the Lord continually bless and keep us. Amen