Yesterday, we meditated on Noah’s burnt offering after he was saved from the flood. In response, we also presented ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Immediately following that, blessing was released.
The burnt offering pleased the Lord. In Genesis 8:21 starts like, “The Lord smelled a soothing aroma” after Noah’s offering.
Similarly, Luke 15:7 reminds us that “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” Heaven rejoices when a life is fully yielded to God.
As a token of acceptance, God blessed Noah and his sons. That same blessing is available to everyone who is saved.
In Acts 10, during his first sermon, Peter clearly declares, “God shows no partiality.” Therefore, let us receive the blessings that follow our offerings (ie our living sacrifices).
Yet the blessing did not end there. God desired to do something more for Noah. He said, “Thus I establish My covenant with you” (Genesis 9:11).
A saved life must also be a protected life, and protection comes through covenant. Covenant is a binding relationship with God that gives us hope and assurance that we are always within His boundaries.
Consider family life: the marriage covenant strengthens the bond between husband and wife, sustains them through difficult times, and provides protection and stability, when it get uphold.
In the same way, salvation without covenant is like a relationship without commitment, we know what that leads to.
God has given only one Savior for mankind. Therefore, without hesitation, let us enter into covenant with Him. Noah’s covenant was simple, but the New Covenant is precious beyond measure. Jesus Christ established it with His own blood:
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20).
Let us establish ourselves in this covenant and continue to live with its sign.
When God established His covenant with Noah, the sign was the rainbow (a display of complete seven colors).
When God established His covenant with Abraham, the sign was circumcision on the eighth day.
God has already established the New Covenant, and everyone who is saved must be established in it. The signs of this covenant are the bread and the wine, representing the body and blood of Christ.
The important point to do is, entering into the New Covenant—through participation in Holy Communion, calls us to live daily in remembrance of our salvation. The New Covenant is not a ritual alone; it is meant to be our lifestyle.
Live it louder - He is our "Shomer HaBrit" (Covenant Keeper)