How can we apply the principle of covenant commitment in our daily lives? Setting the Scene in Exodus 12:44 “ ‘But any slave a man has purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him.’ ” • At the first Passover, even a foreign-born servant could join the meal—but only after receiving the covenant sign. • The verse highlights two truths: God’s covenant family is open to all who embrace His terms, and membership is confirmed by an outward act that reflects an inward allegiance. Tracing the Covenant Thread • Genesis 17:12—circumcision first given as “the sign of the covenant.” • Deuteronomy 10:16—“Circumcise your hearts…” moving beyond the physical to the spiritual. • Romans 2:29—“Circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit.” • Matthew 26:28—Jesus calls His blood “the blood of the covenant,” fulfilling every earlier sign. • 1 Corinthians 11:24–25—The Lord’s Supper now functions like Passover: a table for those inside the covenant, proclaiming loyalty to Christ. Daily Practices That Reflect Covenant Commitment Identity—Remember Whose we are • Begin each day confessing, “I belong to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Wear this identity in choices of entertainment, speech, clothing, finances. Obedience—Submit to the Covenant Terms • Regularly read Scripture, accepting it as the final word. • When a command feels hard—love an enemy, forgive again—return to John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Community—Live inside the family boundaries • Prioritize gathered worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Seek accountability: invite a mature believer to ask you direct questions about your walk. • Share burdens and joys; covenant life is communal, not solo. Remembrance—Keep the covenant in view • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with focused gratitude (Luke 22:19). • Mark anniversaries of salvation or baptism as family milestones. • Display visual reminders—Scripture art, a cross, a journal of answered prayers. Holiness—Guard the covenant sign in daily purity • Practice “circumcision of heart” by cutting away sinful habits (Colossians 3:5-10). • Use digital filters, accountability apps, or strategic friendships to protect purity. Service—Extend covenant grace outward • Exodus 12 welcomed outsiders; we do the same through hospitality and evangelism (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Serve in church ministries, neighborhood outreaches, or simple acts like sharing a meal. Perseverance—Hold fast when tested • Recall God’s unbreakable promise (Hebrews 10:23). • Memorize key verses; speak them aloud in temptation. • Celebrate small victories as evidence of God’s keeping power. Strengthening Our Resolve • Review the covenant story often—from Passover to Calvary to the coming wedding supper of the Lamb. • Let every meal, every Sunday, every act of obedience whisper: “I am His, and He is mine—forever.” |
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