SCRIPTURE: Genesis 31
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.” [Genesis 31:44]
So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his father Isaac. He offered a sacrifice there in the hill country and invited his relatives to a meal. After they had eaten, they spent the night there. [Genesis 31:53-54]
Making covenants may seem strange to us, but we have our own version of this.
A marriage is a covenant, and so is a contract (a mortgage, or a ‘don’t pay until 2015’ furniture purchase) – with witnesses, promises and symbolic reminders of our vows.
The common elements of a covenant back them was a series of promises (like wedding vows), symbolic reminders (like wedding rings and candles), witnesses (like the best man and maid of honour) and a meal (the reception).
Back then, when people swore an oath, they called God as their witness (the Fear of Jacob?), that they would keep their promise.
The sacrifice (representing death) offered showed how serious they were about their vows – till death do us part!
Most couples drop those words from their vows today.
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” [Matthew 26:27-29]
Jesus, on behalf of God, makes a covenant with people – with promises written in blood (the sacrifice), symbolic reminders of the promises (the cup of wine, as well as the bread), and the shared meal.
Every time we share a cup of wine with other believers, we are reminded of His sacrificial love for us, and His promise to never leave or forsake us.
I have not talked much about the story of this passage, of the twisted relationship between Laban, his daughters and his son-in-law Jacob.
What strikes me again (as I’ve mentioned earlier) is how God continues to honour His covenant with Abraham despite the follies and sins of his descendants.
God’s people are often described as unfaithful marriage partners because of how they treat Him, but His love endures.
We often relate to God “as long as our love shall last” (which for us is unreliable) while God relates to us “as long as life shall last” (which for God is forever)!
The church (God’s people, Jesus’ followers) are not the perfect bride, they are an unreliable partner in this covenant relationship.
But God and Jesus love us to death, and their promises are written in blood.
We can count on Him to keep His promises, even when we fail in ours.
Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. [2 Timothy 2:11-13]
PRAYER:
Lord, You are the faithful partner in this relationship. Help me to strive to be faithful, and to admit it when I am not. I want to love You to the very end, till death do us unite!