based on the LGG Study, From Broken to Restored / w4d5
Scripture: Nehemiah 9:38-10:27; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Luke 22:14-20 / SOAP: Luke 22:19-20
Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And in the same way he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
Luke 22:19-20
A covenant was a significant commitment. God used covenants throughout the history of His people to make promises to them, promises He kept regardless of their faithfulness.
Excerpt from Into the Text /LGG Journal w4d5 / From Broken to Restored
The Covenants in the Bible
“What are the covenants in the Bible?” The online Bible commentary, Gotquestions.org begins their answer with this opening statement: “The Bible speaks of seven different covenants, four of which (Abrahamic, Palestinian, Mosaic, Davidic) God made with the nation of Israel. Of those four, three are unconditional in nature; that is, regardless of Israel’s obedience or disobedience, God still will fulfill these covenants with Israel. One of the covenants, the Mosaic Covenant, is conditional in nature. That is, this covenant will bring either blessing or cursing depending on Israel’s obedience or disobedience. Three of the covenants (Adamic, Noahic, New) are made between God and mankind in general, and are not limited to the nation of Israel.”
In our three passages today, we see the people of Nehemiah’s day making a covenant to keep the covenant. Interesting concept but this excerpt from “Bible Project” commentary on this passage is quite helpful – “the returning exiles make a covenant to keep a covenant, committing themselves to the Law of Moses and the people of God. They had broken the covenant and received the curses which led them into exile. Now in their return and repentance, they recommit to the old covenant which included faithfulness to God through marrying those who also worshipped God; observance of Sabbath and Sabbaticals; and giving firstfruits and tithes, ensuring the temple and temple worship were maintained.”
The second and third passages deal with the “New Covenant”, first in the Old Testament with the people of Judah and Israel, and then in Luke 22 with New Testament believers via the blood of Christ. This was the ultimate covenant, unbreakable, unchangeable, unbeatable covenant. It was the covenant made “in the blood” of Jesus. As the LGG team points out today in the journal, “We remember the covenant God has given us by participating in the Lord’s Supper. When we take the elements, the bread and wine, we remember the covenant Jesus made with those who believe in Him. We remember that He has done all that is necessary to uphold this covenant and that all we need to do is place our faith in Him.”
New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). The New Covenant is a covenant made first with the nation of Israel and, ultimately, with all mankind. In the New Covenant, God promises to forgive sin, and there will be a universal knowledge of the Lord. Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17) and create a new covenant between God and His people. Now that we are under the New Covenant, both Jews and Gentiles can be free from the penalty of the Law. We are now given the opportunity to receive salvation as a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Gotquestions.org
Making it Personal – Reflection
Why is it important to regularly partake in the Lord’s Supper with other believers?
If you are not a believer and have never entered into the Covenant that promises forgiveness of sin and freedom from the Law – please send me a message. I would love to share the Gospel with you and help you to understand the gift and reality of God’s free gift of salvation.
Going Further
Don’t forget to check out today’s Love God Greatly blog
More about the covenants: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-covenants.html
Nehemiah Overview (This is a must-read – simply follow the link below)
- chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.csmedia1.com/doxa-church.com/nehemiahpart9.pdf