Devotion - Tuesday, March 5

I often speak to couples about the difference between a covenant and a contract.  When considering marriage, this is an important distinction.

In a contract we state what is required of the other.  The legal document, signed at a marriage, is a contract.  If we fail to meet the terms of the contract, the other can bring a suit against us.

In a covenant we state what it is that we are eager to give to the other.  In a covenant we build upon trust, not upon law.

In Romans 4 Paul speaks of the promise which God has given us.  He reminds us of the covenant established between God and Abraham. 

Contracts have the force of law - and we can hold that force over the head of the other named in the contract.  Covenants have the word of the other - they are as solid as the faithfulness of the one who makes the promise.

The covenant into which Abraham enters has many facets.  At its core is the simple "I will be your God and you shall be my people."  God selects Abraham and his descendants as his own.

Through the centuries which follow, the people will break the laws set up to direct God's people to the covenant; but the covenant is not removed.  It is built upon the faithfulness of the One who established the covenant.

Covenants are stronger than contracts.  Covenants involve our whole selves.

Our covenant with God, the often referred to "New Covenant," flows from the death and resurrection of Jesus.  That covenant is stronger than anything we can imagine.  It will remain, regardless of our adherence to the law.  And it will take on its fullness, as we give our whole selves to the One who claims us in that covenant.