Everlasting Covenant

This week's devotion is authored by James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign.

“For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” Hebrews 9:13-14

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah…I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34

The words we will hear this week referring to our Lord will range from "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him" to "It is finished" and "He is not here" (John 12:13; John 19:6,30; Luke 24:6). His triumphant entry, the betrayal, ultimate sacrifice, and resurrection change everything for us and pour out a new covenant. Sin is no longer our story; death isn’t the end. Our perfect relationship with God is restored, and His just wrath satisfied. Freedom, liberty, and delight in His will are once again our joyful purpose.

We rejoice in our new covenant with God but we never take our repentance lightly. We must daily battle with sin, even as our war has been won. God’s law was put within us, written on our hearts, because we exist in two kingdoms. With an eternal promise won by the blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can wear our white robes while living out the original curse (Genesis 3:16-19).

The law exists because there’s still an enemy. We have a conscience because there’s still a battle. But now we don’t fight for victory, but rather from victory. Therefore, with your eyes on Jesus, don’t take grace for granted. This glorious Easter, quit asking are you good enough and move on to rejoicing that salvation belongs to God. Listen to your conscience; celebrate this covenant.

Oh, how blest it is to know:

Were as scarlet my transgression,

It shall be as white as snow

By Thy blood and bitter passion;

For these words I now believe:

Jesus sinners doth receive.

Now my conscience is at peace;

From the Law I stand acquitted.

Christ hath purchased my release

And my ev’ry sin remitted.

Naught remains my soul to grieve:

Jesus sinners doth receive.

Jesus Sinners Doth Receive, LSB Hymn 609, Stanzas 5 & 6

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.