March 7 / Proverbs 7 / Luke 22

cup-new covenant

Proverbs 7:1-3,24

My son, remember what I say, and treasure my commands. Obey my commands, and you will live. Guard my teachings as you would your own eyes. Remind yourself of them; write them on your heart as if on a tablet. Now, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.

Remember.

Treasure.

Obey.

Guard.

Remind.

Write.

Listen.

Pay attention.

Reading the Bible in this manner is the most practical thing we can do. The reason it is so practical and life giving is not because of the words on the page so much as it is God speaking thru those words into the heart of the reader. But only when we read at this deep, listening, open level.

It is of monumental importance how we approach God’s written word. In my opinion, if we are not reading for transformation, it is a notch above pointless and possibly even dangerous. For it was written by Spirit and therefore should be read in spirit, not solely with the mind.

I say a notch above because it is the word of God and can penetrate even when you’re not expecting. I leave much up to mystery. But I do know that much is missed by reading lazily or with a checklist mentality.

The morning sky has been exquisietly beautiful lately on our way to school. We take time to notice it. To pay attention to it. To thank God for His wonderful artistry and gift of splendid grandeur He gifts us with every morning. It speaks of Him and enhances our appreciation, for He is a God of beauty and variety. We could merely drive to school, head down, grumbling at other drivers, missing much. So very much. Our drive to school could be a notch above pointless. Or it can be seventeen minutes of appreciation and listening to YHWH.

Luke 22:20

“This cup is the new covenant, in my blood which is shed for you.”

Here we see Jesus’ establishment of the new covenant with Israel and the entire world.

This is huge.

Here is the turning point in human history, the fulfillment of the prediction by Jeremiah (31:31-34). YHWH is the Covenant Maker, the pursuer of relationship with His image bearers. He longs for us to be in right relationship to Him and will go to any length to restore us who have broken off from Him.

Is there any more indication and manifestation of love ever known to humankind? Jesus seals the new covenant between YHWH and all people with His sacrificial death and shed blood.  It is poured out for all.

The covenant between YHWH and human is no longer Temple, Law, land, or nation. It is written on the heart of every person thru the blood of the ultimate Lamb, Jesus of Nazareth. Yeshua.

Performance not necessary. Only intimate relationship. Only then will performance be beautiful. Is this not what we deeply desire from our own children?

“God comes to terms with humans thru the internal work of the heart and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.”  [from the Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible]

All of the hard work has been done by YHWH thru Yeshua for us. All we have to do is recognize what already is and live into this grand new covenant relationship with Him who loves us and gave Himself for us.

Everyday can be one of peace and joy, not because of anything we have done or have to do, but because of what has already beed done.  A life of abundant satisfaction is available right now to you.

Live as if you are infinitely and perfectly loved and cared for by the ultimate Person in existence, the One who matters above all exponentially, the One from whom your very life was birthed, for indeed YOU ARE!

 

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