What responsibilities do we have to uphold God's covenant today? An Ever-Relevant Covenant “but also with those who are standing here with us today in the presence of the LORD our God and also with those who are not here today.” — Deuteronomy 29:15 God made clear that His covenant was not only for the Israelites gathered on the plains of Moab but also “for those… not here today.” That sweeping phrase pulls every future generation—including ours—into the same binding relationship. Because the covenant reaches us, it carries real responsibilities here and now. Our Core Responsibilities Today • Receive the covenant’s fulfillment in Christ • Luke 22:20—Jesus calls the cup “the new covenant in My blood.” • Hebrews 8:6—He is “mediator of a better covenant.” Believing, trusting, and resting in Christ’s finished work is the first step toward honoring God’s covenant. • Obey God’s revealed commands • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Exodus 19:5—obedience was always covenantal. Salvation is by grace, yet covenant fidelity shows itself in willing, joyful obedience. • Maintain wholehearted loyalty • Deuteronomy 6:5—“Love the LORD your God with all your heart.” • 1 John 5:21—“Keep yourselves from idols.” No divided allegiances; love and worship belong to God alone. • Cultivate a holy distinctiveness • Leviticus 20:26—“You are to be holy to Me.” • 1 Peter 2:9—“a chosen people… holy nation.” Our speech, ethics, and relationships should signal we belong to the covenant-keeping God. • Pass the covenant on to the next generation • Deuteronomy 6:7—repeat God’s words to your children. • Psalm 78:6—so “a future generation… would put their confidence in God.” Teaching, modeling, and celebrating God’s faithfulness keeps the covenant alive in our homes. • Remember and rehearse God’s acts • Deuteronomy 8:2—“Remember how the LORD your God led you.” • 1 Corinthians 11:26—proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes. Gathering for worship and celebrating the Lord’s Supper anchor us in covenant memory. • Repent quickly when we wander • Deuteronomy 30:2—return “with all your heart.” • 1 John 1:9—He is “faithful and just to forgive.” Confession and repentance restore vitality to our covenant walk. • Proclaim the covenant blessings to the nations • Genesis 12:3—“all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” • Matthew 28:19—“make disciples of all nations.” The covenant’s reach has always been global; mission is covenant stewardship. Living It Out This Week – Begin each day by affirming Christ’s lordship and your trust in His covenant blood. – Choose one area of obedience needing attention; act on it immediately. – Share with family or friends a story of God’s faithfulness in your life. – Look for a simple way to bless someone who doesn’t yet know Christ, pointing them to Him. God’s covenant, extended in Deuteronomy 29:15 to those “not here,” still calls us. By receiving Christ, obeying His word, and passing on His promises, we honor the covenant and display God’s enduring faithfulness to the world. |
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