Learn From the Past

I Corinthians 10:1-13

There is a famous saying that goes something like this - “Those who don’t learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”  This is true, not only in society in general, but also in our personal lives, as well.   Military generals will study military history to hopefully not make the same critical mistakes other generals of the past did.  Politicians would do well if they learned from both the good and bad actions of their predecessors.  The examples of our parents, grandparents, and older siblings can guide us either for the good or the bad. Our Scripture for today instructs us to look at the examples of those in the past and learn from their mistakes so that we won’t fall into the sins and problems that they did.

St. Paul was writing to the believers at the church in Corinth, which he had established several years earlier.  He wanted them to learn from the example of the Israelites from the years of their wandering in the wilderness.  The Israelites had made many mistakes in their walk with the Lord, and Paul was concerned that the Corinthians would not make these same mistakes, and end up in a sinful pitfall that would be difficult to get out of.

He begins by reminding his readers that the Israelites had experienced many blessings and miracles from the hand of God (vs. 1-5).  The Lord had parted the Red Sea for them to cross, had led them with a pillar of cloud through the desert, and had provided them with food and drink.  All of this had shown His great love and care for His people.  However, that did not mean that they were immune from His judgment if and when they fell into sin.  The same could happen to the Corinthians if they didn't learn from the past.  They may be saved, and thus God’s children, but they could still be punished for their sins, as we can, too.

Paul continues, and reminds the Corinthian church of some of the sins that the Israelites fell into while in the wilderness.  The first was lust and idolatry (vs. 6-7).  The Israelites fell into these sins when they created the Golden Calf, which they proceeded to worship, and then fell into sexual sin (Exodus 32:1-6).   The second was even more occurrences of sexual immorality (vs. 8).  This occurred when some of the Israelite men got involved with Moabite women who led them into sinful immorality and idolatry (Numbers 25:1-9).  Another sin that the Israelites fell into was testing God and then grumbling against Him (vs. 9-10).  There were several examples of when God needed to bring judgment on those who continually grumbled, murmured, and complained against Him (Numbers 21:4-9; Numbers 14:26-30).  Are you a whining, grumbling, and complaining type of person?  God is not happy with that.  He brought punishment to the children of Israel for such behavior.  The warning here in God’s Word shows how serious these sins are, and how important our need for holiness and obedience is.

Paul concludes this Scripture passage with some words of hope (vs. 11-13).  He reminds us that temptations are common to everyone, and they are not insurmountable.  God will provide His children with a way of escape when faced with temptation, either to endure it or overcome them (vs. 13).  He provided these examples all throughout the Bible in order to teach us not to follow their example, and so as not to fall into similar sin (vs. 11).

Temptation’s power lies in the desire to have what is being offered.  However, it doesn’t actually deliver the promised goods.  It deceives us.  It offers one thing, but delivers another.  The bait on the hook looks good until you take it.  Giving in to temptation only increases the sinful desires.  It is important not to think that we could never fall.  Everyone has the potential to give in to temptation over and over again.  However, as Christians, we are free to say “no” to those temptations.

There is some misunderstanding among some Christians about verse 13.  The saying that is common among some Christians, that “God won’t give you more than you can handle”, is a mistaken misinterpretation of this verse.  That saying is not Scriptural or in the Bible.  Verse 13 is referring to temptations.  God often gives us more stress, pressures, trials, and difficulties than we can handle, if we are trying to handle them on our own (II Corinthians 1:8-9).  God does that so that we learn not to rely on ourselves, but instead on Him.

In closing, let’s be sure to examine our lives for any sins that mirror those of the Israelites.  We also should remember to trust in God, especially during times of temptation, while we actively seek a way of escape from that temptation.  As believers, we are called to be vigilant, faithful, and depending on God, while we live lives that reflect His holiness, and avoid taking His grace for granted.

Be Careful Little Eyes

Psalm 101

There is a song that is often sung in children’s Sunday School classes, or in children’s church settings.  It goes “O be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see.”  Other verses speak of the ears and hearing, the mouth and speaking, and the feet in where they go.  The lesson in that song is appropriate for adults, as well.  King David would agree with the sentiments of that children’s song.  One psalm that he wrote, our psalm for this week, touches on that theme.

David began this psalm, like he did with most of his psalms, with words of praise to the Lord (vs. 1).  David praised God’s lovingkindness and mercy, along with His justice.  They are guiding values by which God wants us to operate (Micah 6:8).

As we read through this psalm we see that David had some very strong convictions about many things.  Our convictions should, just like David’s did, give our beliefs a backbone.  David wanted to be a man of integrity, being totally honest and thoroughly sound (vs. 2).  He wanted to be authentic, and not change his convictions or standards just in order to please anyone.  All too often we see that today, including with many pastors who will alter their sermon messages in order to please popular opinion, his audience, or the venue.  David wasn’t looking to please people when he wrote this psalm, either at that time or today, as there are some today who would say he is being too strong or judgmental against others.

As our psalm continues we read that David made some vows in line with the convictions he had.  One was that he would set nothing wicked or vile before his eyes, he would not spend time looking at anything evil (vs. 3).  In David’s day that might include some sinful artwork, erotic dancers, or sinful literature.  Today we have an even greater array of wicked things that we can be looking at, such as shows on TV, the movies, and especially on the internet, which can so easily bring sinful things to our sight.  Living a transformed life means being careful about what we see, say, and hear.  As Christians we need to make sure that the influences in our life are uplifting, which includes all forms of entertainment.  When we guard our eyes, ears, and mouth, we ultimately guard our heart, which is so important (Proverbs 4:23).

As we continue, we read where David was careful about what type of people he kept company with.  Some might feel that this was being judgmental, however all throughout Scripture we read how important it is for believers to be careful about who their friends and associates are, as sinful companions can so quickly lead us into sin (Proverbs 1:10-16).  David said that he would not keep anyone whose heart was wicked, perverse, or twisted around him, nor would he abide with anyone who slandered or spoke evil against others, or who was proud, haughty, or arrogant (vs. 4-5).  David wanted to stop the slanderer from carrying out his smear-campaign against other people.  He would not tolerate back-stabbing in his presence.  We should never try to advance our position by tearing someone else down.

He continued by saying he would not keep company with deceivers and liars (vs. 7).  As king, it was his duty to see that his royal court and the nobility of the land lived good and moral lives by removing sinful people who would drag the moral standards of the country down (vs. 8).  When the head is morally healthy the rest of the body is more likely to follow suit.  Instead of sinful people, David chose to keep company with other godly believers (vs. 6).  Even though it is very hard to find faithfulness in people, and strength of character is rare, those were the ones David chose for companions.

This psalm explains David’s philosophy of life, and is a statement of his faith.  Throughout the psalm we read of his resolution to do what is right, and get rid of the evil.  He continually stated “I will” and “I shall”.  He was determined and showed strong strength of character.  In closing, we see that David made the choice that Joshua challenged the people of Israel to make centuries earlier (Joshua 24:15), and that is to choose to serve and follow the Lord.  Will we do the same?

Don't Miss God's Call

Exodus 3:1-12

What can happen on an ordinary day?  What event can happen that will change that ordinary day into one that changes our life forever?  We can start our day in the usual, standard way, and then something extraordinary, something either catastrophic or wonderful happens, and we are never the same afterwards.  We can be driving to work as usual, and a careless driver slams into our car, leaving us crippled for life.  It can be a nice clear day in the morning, but by the afternoon a tornado can come, leaving our house flattened to the ground.  An ordinary day can end with us having met the man or woman of our dreams, or we can be offered the job we always wished for.  Our Old Testament Scripture for this week tells of how one ordinary day brought an event that changed the life of someone forever, and with him, the lives of countless other people.

As our Scripture opens, Moses had started his day like he had for so many years before.  He was a shepherd who tended the flocks of sheep for his father-in-law Jethro.  At this time he had the flocks grazing at the foot of Mt. Horeb, which is also known as Mt. Sinai (vs. 1).   If we recall, Moses was one of the children of Israel, born as a slave in Egypt.  However he was placed into a water-tight basket which was put into the Nile to save him from death by Pharaoh’s orders.  Pharaoh’s daughter found him and brought him up as her own child in the royal palaces.  Fast-forward forty years, and Moses discovers his heritage, and kills an overseer of the slaves, and ends up fleeing into the deserts of Midian.  There he met Jethro and married one of his daughters (Exodus 2:1-21).  Now another forty years has passed, Moses is 80 and tending the sheep.

As Moses kept an eye on the flock, just as he had for the past forty years, he noticed something curious.  Off in the distance he noticed a small bush or shrub on fire.  The odd thing was that though it was on fire, the bush wasn’t being consumed by the fire (vs. 2-3).  Moses had a curious mind, so he went to check this out.  It is always good to keep a curious mind.  If Moses had just ignored this, he would have missed out on God’s calling. Don’t miss out on what God has for you because you have let your mind become dull.

As Moses approached, God called out to him, warning him that the ground he was on was holy ground (vs. 4-5).  What made it holy ground?  Was it because of the burning bush or something special about the mountain?  A place is holy ground because it is a place where God’s presence is intimately experienced and deeply felt.  God can come to us in a special way at any time and any place, and that place will be holy ground.  Moses removed his shoes in reverence to God who met him there.

As God continued to speak to Moses, He reminded him that He was aware of what was happening to the people of Israel, that they were slaves and cruelly treated in Egypt (vs. 6-9).  Though they might not realize it, as they were going through terrible difficulties, God had not forgotten them, and He still remembered His promises.  Our trials may be heavy, and it seems as if God has forgotten us, but He hasn’t.  God waits for the opportune time.

God continued talking to Moses, and proceeded to tell him the assignment He had for him (vs. 10).  God wished for Moses to return to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go free, and he was to lead them to the land that God had promised them.  Moses was stunned.  Who was he to go and do something like that? (vs. 11).  He was just a humble shepherd, a nobody.  He may have been an adopted member of the royal family years ago, but that counted for nothing today.  He told God that he couldn’t do anything like that, that he wanted to pass on this assignment, and to find someone else.  Moses continued to give excuses, including that he did not have the ability to, but God would not take no for an answer.  He reminded Moses that He would be with him, and give him all power and ability to do what He asked.

To hold back from doing something that God has called us to do by saying we aren’t able to, or we don’t have the skills, is a form of rebellion.  It is saying that God is not powerful enough to equip us, and that His will being done on earth depends upon our natural ability.  God is more than able to equip us.  He will accomplish His purposes with or without us.  So don’t you want to be a part of it?

Whether it is ourselves that say that we don’t have the ability, or it is someone else that is saying we don’t have the skill or the education to do what we know God has called us to do, we need to stop listening to those voices, and obey God’s Voice.  He has promised that if we believe Him, and move forward in obedience, He’ll show us what He wants us to do, and then give us the ability to get it done.  We never have to take on God’s work in our own strength.  He won’t ask us to do anything that He will not enable us to carry out.  God is committed to equipping us to do whatever He asks.  Let’s say yes, and join in His work.

Inside or Outside the Door

Luke 13:22-30

When you are invited to a big party, do you wonder who else was invited?  It would seem natural, along with also wondering who wasn’t invited.  When in school we wonder which of our classmates passed their exams, and who will be promoted to the next grade.  In our Scripture today we read of a similar inquiry that someone asked Jesus, asking about how many there will be in heaven.  Let’s take a look at this fellow’s question, and what Jesus’ response was.

As Jesus was journeying across the country, He continued His ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing.  Out of the crowd that had gathered, a man called out a question, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” (vs. 23).  He wanted to know how many people would be in heaven, and possibly wondering if some of his friends would be there, and if those he disliked would not be.  Jesus does not give him a direct answer with any number or names, but warns him to be concerned with whether he will be part of the number that will be saved.

As we look deeper into Jesus’ response, we see that entering the kingdom is not easy.  Jesus speaks of it being a “narrow gate”, not a big, wide, broad road.  It isn’t allowing everyone in, as many may want to get in, but will not be allowed (vs. 24).   This is contrary to what many preachers and teachers today say, when they preach that everyone will be in heaven, and no one is excluded.  Entering into the kingdom of heaven requires an effort of specifically turning to and accepting the Lord Jesus.

Though we know that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), when Jesus said to “strive” He implies an earnestness, self-denial, and a submission to God’s will.  The call to “strive’ isn’t about a works-based salvation, but about responding wholeheartedly to God’s grace.  True faith will produce fruit (James 2:26).

As Jesus continued, He told His audience that there would be people who stood outside the door, once it was closed, knocking and wanting entry.  However, they will not be allowed in (vs. 25-27).  It is interesting to look closely at what these people say to the Lord as they are frantically knocking at the door which is closed to them.  They said that they “ate and drank in Your presence”, not that they ate and drank with Him.  They didn’t share a table and a meal with Jesus, rather they ate “in His presence”, as if Jesus is just standing by.  In addition, they stated that Jesus “taught in our streets”, not in their homes or to their families.  This implies that Jesus was just in the periphery, not in the center of their lives.  They knew of Him, but didn’t know Him in their hearts.  The Master shutting the door represents the finality of judgment.  Knowing about Jesus without a personal relationship with Him is insufficient.   One needs to repent and be born again. They don’t know Jesus, so He doesn’t know them!

There will be great despair by these people when they see the prophets and patriarchs in heaven, and when they see people from all around the world there, but they are cast out (vs. 28-30).  Jesus repeated something He said often, that the first will be last, and the last first.  Those who presumed they were first, such as the self-righteous, will find themselves last.  Jesus welcomes people from all nations who truly believe in Him.

This Scripture is both a warning and an encouragement.  We are warned that salvation is urgent.  No one knows how long they have here on earth.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow.  We need to have made a decision for the Lord Jesus before we take our final breath.  Once the “door” is closed, there will be no second chance.  If we have not accepted Jesus as our Savior, God will tell us to depart from Him, as He does not know us.

This passage is also an encouragement, as we see that no one is excluded based on either background or past sin (vs. 29-30).  Jesus accepts all who come to Him whether they are Jewish or Gentile, and regardless of nationality.  It also does not matter how terrible a sinner one is, if one repents and calls upon Jesus as Savior, they can enter.  Salvation is open to all who genuinely repent and trust Christ as Savior.

What about you?  Are you going to be among the saved?  Will you be included?  You need to respond now before the Owner of the house closes the door.  The door is narrow, but it is open to all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Follow The Leader

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Young children often like to play follow-the-leader, where they try to imitate the leader of the group.  Teenagers and adults also practice a form of follow-the-leader, as well.  Those who want to excel in a sport will closely follow and try to imitate one who is a great athlete.  Adults who perhaps want to learn to cook well or make fashionable clothes might take a course taught by one who claims to have been an intimate pupil of a great French chef or Italian clothing designer.  However, it is very important to be sure that the one we are following is genuine, and is teaching us correctly, and not just something they made up.  This is especially important in our spiritual life, as well.  In our New Testament Scripture for this week we read St. Paul’s warning to believers in the Philippian church to be careful of whom they are following the example of.  Let’s look at what he had to say.

The church in Philippi was still a rather young church when the Apostle Paul wrote his epistle to them, as only approximately ten years had passed from when he first established the church there.  So most of the believers there were spiritually young.  Many of them, as they wanted to mature in their faith, wanted to follow the example of older believers. Some Christians today do the same thing, seeking a more spiritually mature person to help mentor or disciple them in the faith.  Paul warned them, though, to be very careful who they choose to follow the example of (vs. 1).  Some may seem spiritually mature, but they may be filled with false doctrine and heresy (vs. 17).  Paul exhorted them that they could follow his example.  He wasn’t trying to brag or be full of himself, as he made a strong point in his life to strictly follow the Lord Jesus in every area of his life, and walk faithfully with Him.  When we might choose to follow the example of another Christian, or be discipled by another believer, it is important that they are living out biblical principles in their life and that they are grounded in the Scriptures.

Paul warned that there are some who pose themselves as Christians, but who are actually enemies of the cross (vs. 18-19).  These enemies of the cross exist today, as well.  They pose themselves as Christians, calling themselves such, but who pick and choose what they want to believe in the Bible.  They say that some parts are not relevant in today’s world, being careful that they fit in with the world’s philosophies today.  They choose to offend God rather than offend the world and society.  We need to beware of the dangers of the philosophies of the world today, of false teachings, and compromising with secular values.  It is important to keep ourselves separate from such influences

Jesus’ cross exposes us for who we really are: hopeless, helpless sinners in need of a Savior.  The cross shows us that we can do nothing to help ourselves.  On His cross, Jesus did something that we could not.  He paid the price for our sins.  Those who refuse to accept what Jesus did on the cross are an enemy of the cross.

The Apostle then reminded the Philippian church that their true home is in heaven, and they needed to be earnestly awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus, Who will transform their earthly bodies into glorified ones (vs 20-21).  This is, of course, something that we need to be concerned with in our own lives today.  Having a heavenly focus encourages living with an eternal perspective, where we prioritize spiritual over temporal matters.

All too many people, including Christians, are getting stressed over political, economic, and social occurrences in the world.  While others worry themselves sick over concerns with this world, we need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven. We have a wealth that cannot be deposited in financial accounts, nor depleted by the economy.  Our loyalty should be Jesus, not some human leader, and our social guide should be God’s Word, not worldly society.

In chapter 4 verse 1, Paul speaks of the Philippians being his joy and crown.  The crown is one that will be given to those who win souls to Christ, a soul-winner's crown.  It is for those who are faithful to declare the Gospel, leading souls to the Lord Jesus, and build them up in Him.

As our Scripture closes, Paul urges the believers to remain steadfast in their faith, and rooted in Christ (vs. 1).  We need to persevere in the face of all trials that will come our way, and stand unwavering in our commitment to biblical truth.  It is also important to surround ourselves with mature believers who model a Christ-centered life, and be vigilant against any influences that distract us from our walk with Him.  How well are we following a good and godly leader here on earth, and our true heavenly Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ?

Our Light And Strength

Psalm 27

It seems to many that today’s world is becoming more and more a fearsome place.  Not only is crime a problem in many areas, but there are more and more difficult challenges that many face, economic or financial challenges, health challenges with limited and expensive resources for help there.  Then we see the political landscape a mess regardless of what side you are on, in addition to wars and rumors of wars in many places. And there is wild and crazy weather in so many places.  Is there any help?  And if so, where can we turn to find it?  Our psalm today is one of several favorite psalms of mine.  It was actually the first chapter of the Bible that I memorized.  This psalm gives the answer that King David, who faced many fearsome challenges, found.

When we come upon the times when we are faced with a difficult, anxiety-producing challenge, it may be health, or financial, or even an actual physical enemy who is threatening us, those times look very dark.  Darkness seems to have the power to make everything look even worse and more ominous.  We long for some light, something to chase those fears and problems away.  When we are in the dark, even a little bit of light, and even if it is off in the distance, that can bring us some hope.  David felt the same way, and he found his light in the Lord God (vs. 1).  With Yahweh as his light, his salvation, and strength of his life, he did not need to be afraid of anything.

Like David, those who are in a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus can find light and strength with the Lord, as well.  When we walk with Jesus, His light shines in us and through us.  Jesus told us that He is the Light of the world, and that those who follow Him will not be in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).  With Jesus as our Light, we have guidance, deliverance, and protection from every fear we face.  With Yahweh as his strength and light, David saw his enemies fall (vs. 2).  He didn’t even need to fear an army (vs. 3).  He was that confident that God would protect him!  Let Jesus light our path and illuminate our life.  We can trust in His sovereignty and care, no matter what threats we face.

As we know, David was king of Israel, and as a king, he could pretty much have whatever he wanted.  He could have the finest food, top designer clothes, and the latest model of chariot.  Yet having that ability, what was the one thing that he desired and sought after?  It was nothing materialistic.  David wanted to be in God’s Temple and dwell with Him! (vs. 4).  Is that what we would desire?  David knew that when he sought after God above anything else, He would keep him safe when troubles came (vs. 5).  God would hide him from any harm, and set him up high upon a rock, and that Rock is the Lord Jesus.

Although circumstances change, God’s promises do not change.  If we are caught in the winds of whatever storms are buffeting us, we need to be like David and stand on the Rock of God’s promises.  We need to take shelter under His wings until the storm passes.  When David trusted in God, he found that God raised him up above his troubles, and that he could be filled with joy and offer Him praise (vs. 6).  Instead of looking down at our distressing circumstances, we need to look up to God, from whom all blessings flow!

Psalm 27 is an example of fervent prayer.  David’s prayerful appeal (vs. 7-10) showed his dependence on God in his times of need, and is an example of a heart aligned with God’s will.  We, too, can know that when we cry out to God, He will hear us.   God desires us to keep ourselves in close fellowship with Him, as that is the way to receive His protection and care (vs. 8).  Some people turn to friends and family for help in times of trouble, but how often have we found that they forsake us in our need? (vs. 9-10).  Yahweh will never do that!  He is a constant, faithful Father to us, and will never abandon us!

As the psalm closes, David reminds us that we most often need to wait on God for answered prayer (vs. 14).  When we become frustrated with God’s apparent delay in answering our prayers, it is good to remember that He is interested in developing faith and perseverance in our character (James 1:2-4).  As we wait on God, our weakness is exchanged for His strength. Strength and courage are developed during a trial, not after it is over.  Let us show patient faith, trusting in God’s perfect timing and provision.  When we develop a deep trust in Him, and seek Him wholeheartedly in prayer, God will bring His deliverance to us.

Sealed With A Covenant

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

We all make promises to others.  Some are promises we make to family and friends, and others are legal promises that carry stiffer penalties if they are not kept.  How do we know if someone will keep a promise?  Children, and even some adults will say “Cross my heart and hope to die!”, or they “pinky swear”.  We make marriage vows, promising to be loving and faithful to our spouse.  Legal promises usually involve signing myriads of legal documents, often for major purchases like houses or cars, and promises are made to make monthly payments.  Our Scripture today involves a major promise that was made, called a covenant in the Bible.  Let’s look at what the promise was, and who was involved in this promise.

Our Scripture reading involves a major promise, or covenant, that God made with Abraham (called Abram here, as God had not yet changed his name.)  As our Scripture passage begins, we read “After these things” (vs. 1).  What are “these things” the author is referring to?  If we look back, we see in chapter 12 that God called Abram out of Haran (in modern day Syria and eastern Turkey), where his family had been living, so he headed south.  He wound up in Egypt where his wife was nearly taken into Pharaoh’s harem.  In chapter 13 Abram’s nephew Lot and his family separated from him, and they moved to the area around Sodom and Gomorrah.  In chapter 14 Lot was kidnapped and taken hostage by a group of warring kings and their armies, so Uncle Abram came to his rescue, battling those kings and rescuing Lot.  This was a lot of stressful excitement for a man in his late seventies!  Our Scripture picks up after all of that.  After all of this stress, the Lord spoke to Abram, and reassured him that he didn’t need to fear anything, as He was his shield.  The Lord would protect him from all harm, and He would be his reward (vs. 1).

Abram possibly thought back to another promise that God had made to him several years earlier, when he was 75.  At that time God promised him many descendants, enough to make a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3).  He also promised the land of Canaan to him and his descendants.  Now, possibly five to ten years later, he still had no children, and did not possess the land.  His heir was Eliezer, his chief steward.  Abram posed God a question, as any gifts He would give him could go to a “descendant”, as he had none (vs. 2-3).  God brought Abram outside and, as it was night, He told him to count the stars he could see.  There are numerous stars on a clear night away from any outdoor light.  That, God promised, was how many descendants he would have, and Abram believed Him (vs. 4-6).

Even though Abram believed Him, God wanted to seal this promise by establishing a covenant with him.  A covenant is a legal, binding agreement between two or more parties.  The word for covenant in Hebrew is “beryith”, and it comes from a root word meaning “to cut”.  In the ancient lands of the Bible, when one person made a covenant with another person, animals such as cattle or sheep were cut into large segments, and placed opposite each other.  Then the two making the covenant would walk between the severed animals to seal the promises made, in essence saying that if one broke the covenant, they would be like those animals, and a curse was upon them.  This ceremony symbolized total commitment.

Abram cut up several cattle, placing their pieces opposite each other (vs. 9-11).  Then after sunset, when it was dark, God appeared as a bright and burning light, passing between the severed pieces, (vs 17), thus establishing His covenant promise with Abram and his descendants.   Even though it was delayed, Abram had descendants through Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons, along with the innumerable spiritual descendants among those who are saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

When God made this covenant with Abram, He reaffirmed His prior promise to him.  Abram believed God, knowing that His Word was enough.  He believed the Lord, and God credited it to him as righteousness, (vs. 6), sealing it with this covenant.

About 2,000 years after Abraham, God made a new covenant with man.  This time it was not sealed with the blood of bulls and goats.  This covenant was sealed with the Blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:13-15). Those who have accepted Him as their Savior receive the promise of salvation and forgiveness of sins.  Just as He was with Abraham, God is the shield and exceedingly great reward to all those who are a part of this new covenant (vs. 1).  We have no cause for worry, for God will protect and defend us.  The Creator of the universe is active on our behalf.