FHBC Sermon Notes

What is a covenant? We know the term perhaps has part of neighborhood associations, which tells us that we can't paint our house say hot pink. But in scripture it is central to the story of scripture. It is the promise of God, foundational to our lives and understanding of him.
In the chapters prior to this we have witnessed the power and judgment of God, the mercy of God, the provision of God. In this chapter we see that God, come near to his people, by his grace. He comes forth to make a covenant. To establish a relationship with his people.

Reading of the passage.

Let us take a moment to understanding the gravity of this situation. The people of Israel was here at Mount Sinai for a total of one year. Also, of the first five books of the Bible, almost a third of it is dedicated to just this covenant.  This is the center of the story. All the books of the prophets and the O.T. look make continually on this by two elements: That first God delivered his people, and second that he made a covenant with them. Furthermore, this prepares us for the gospel the New Testament, let us understand our standing before God, and why we must have a savior.

Central Elements

1. The Element of Covenant Relationship (Exodus 19:1-4)
In covenant, God promises and establishes a new relationship with his people.

• Three marks of the people: 
• They were to be a holy nation.
• They were to be his treasured possession.
• They were to be a kingdom of priests. - They were to be a mediator to the other nations, bearers of his truth, giving witness to his truth, as the prophet Isaiah says a "light unto the Gentiles." They were to be intercessors as well , drawing people to him. What a responsibility! 

Looking at chapter 24 we see the covenant confirmed, and it is here that we see that intense specialty of this moment. God, as an all consuming fire, and a man standing on a road of sapphires, stood before them.  They beheld God!  This is not something that he does for everyone.

Yet, as we see born out, God was not just making a people from just one nation, but to all that would see and believe, from all nations, all those that will accept his love of adoption, trusting the Son of God, to these he has made a people. God choice Israel for no merit of their own, and so we too under the new covenant in Jesus in no merit of our own, but at the foot of the cross has declared and called us "mine".  Let us not live as the world, for such a great gift has been given us.

2. The element of covenant sacrifice:
God mediates the covenant relationship with his people by means of a blood sacrifice.

In Hebrew the word to make a covenant means literally, to "cut" a covenant. This was more that just financially sacrifice. Life was lost. The animal was slaughtered, and divided.  The parties both ate at the table together. 

See Chapter 24:5-8: The rules for offerings have yet to be declared, but this first sacrifice we see is one of atonement, of propitiation: So that we do not die in our sin before the presence of God, so that we too are not consumed.  This offering is a burnt offering. The second sacrifice is the peace offering. This one is eaten, demonstrating that we too sit at the table of God. The blood for these is thrown on the altar and the people themselves.

As Christians we see the significance of this. We sing of the blood of Jesus for it is his blood, shed for us, poured out on altar of the cross, and baptized in it our sins are forgiven. We are washed and cleansed, and we draw near to God, and peace because of the sacrifice of Christ.  Praise God! His love is great!

3. The element of covenant commitment:
Participation in covenant relationship with God requires a faithful commitment.

This is not a one time deal. This is a relationship. As the covenant is read, the people said, "All that the Lord has spoken will do, and we will be obedient." This is lifelong. We cannot just say yes, and then go on ignoring what God has revealed. We must acknowledge the whole of the promises of God. We, as they are called to be faithful.  It is the same in the new covenant. He saves, He justifies.  We must say more than yes. We turn from our sins. We call him LORD. He is master. Our lives are submitted in love and obedience to our God. We live in the covenant provisions given in the cross! 

As we study these old passages it is to amazing to see the gospel so central in its words. God mediated this original covenant in blood sacrifice, God has made a blood covenant with us as well in the blood of the cross.  We are his children. Let us live as his children.  Amen!