Nougat 15

What is a covenant and does it matter in these days? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A covenant is easiest understood as a binding agreement between two parties. The expanded (simple) definition actually says it is initiated by one party and the other affirms the proposed terms. So a covenant is a legal, or at the least, a binding agreement.

Another school of thought places covenants in the spiritual, as a descriptor for the relationship between God and humanity; particularly with Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Abraham, and Moses; and with the children of Israel.

Thirdly, a covenant is an agreement that is ratified *in blood*, suggesting that the parties to the covenant agree that it is unto death (or breaking will result in death).

From the three definitions, paraphrased from Strongs Concordance, we note that they are serious business – literally and figuratively! Jesus invitation to drink of this new covenant in His blood underscores the a) legal implications initiated by Jesus, b) establishes Jesus’ divinity and c) is unto death. This begs the reflection – what we are offering to Jesus in the transaction and are we conscious that operatively, breaking this covenant returns us to eternal death. Just like that.

Connected to these three definitions is the underlying sense of a covenant as a will and testament, implying a binding document valid only after the death of the testator, Jesus. Our inheritance therefore is rooted in Jesus being Who He says He is, God’s Son, and our willingness to believe. You might realize therefore that when we speak of the New Testament, we really are referring to our proof that we are included in God’s covenant for the redemption of humanity.

One might argue that the special Passover feast was indeed the final one. And in a sense it was. For the feasts thereafter were, are, and will be ratified under this New Testament with Jesus. Each time we eat of the bread and drink of the cup we affirm the covenant and testament of our ever-present Savior Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow, as we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection together, let’s also share (albeit virtually) in the great Passover feast.

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May all we seek be found in Christ