Are You Living a Covenant Life?
By Susan Klein
“…for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”
Romans 11:29 (NIV)
Our car insurance
contract is changing. One of our driver’s rates is decreasing due to
maintaining a good driving record. Another’s is about to go up due to a pending
car purchase. Contracts change. They can also be broken. If we were not
satisfied with our insurance provider, we could cancel our policy and build a
contract with a new company. Likewise, many people are employed under a
contract. If dissatisfied with their working conditions, they can dispute,
negotiate, or even strike over their contracts in an effort to effect change.
Covenants are not contracts.
Covenants cannot be cancelled or revoked. They never have to be renewed or renegotiated.
They are absolutely binding regardless of the circumstances. If one party in
the covenant is dissatisfied with the other party’s conduct, it doesn’t allow for
starting over and building a new one. Covenants are a done deal.
Christ-followers
have a covenant (not a contract) relationship with God. We have entered into a loving
relationship with Him that cannot and will not be changed. When God calls us to
Him, and we accept that call, Scripture tells us that it is irrevocable. God is, in essence, saying
to us, “You are now mine, and nothing you can do (or anyone else can do) will
alter that in any way.” No one else can snatch you from Him, and none of your
sins or mistakes will negate His covenant promise of making you His heir. His
covenant is not based on His satisfaction with your performance. It is solely
based on His Word, His promise. Ever wonder why David got away from Saul’s murderous
pursuits so many times, or why God still kept His promise to David even after
he committed murder? He had a covenant relationship with God. God doesn’t go
back on His word.
Signed, sealed,
secured. You are His. You are free to enter into and enjoy His presence, to
partake in the riches of His grace and mercy, and to look forward to a future
of eternal glory. You have a covenant relationship with the Almighty God. With
security like that, we can experience peace in times of trouble, and joy in
times of persecution. Are you enjoying a covenant life?
GOING
DEEPER:
1. How does your secure position
affect your response to trials?
2. How
does your covenant with God affect your relationship with
others?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan
is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible
studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of
the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads an on-site small group.
