Aaron Cozort A Covenant Kept In Abraham’s day, God said, “And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly… And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee” (Genesis 17:2, 7). Multiplication. “For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.”  There is addition.  Numbers added to another number.  There is subtraction, numbers removed from another number.  But nothing grows a number’s size like multiplication.  God doesn’t promise to add to Abraham’s descendants, but to multiply them. Blessings Abound. The active servant of God in Israel had a promise to Him.  It was a definite promise, but it demanded faith and obedience.  If they would obey God, if they would walk in His statutes, then… “…I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” – You will have blessings of the land. “Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing” – You will have sufficiency – not a claim for riches, but needs supplied. “you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.” – There are provisions and security and an opportunity for contentment. “I will give peace …

What Is Jesus’ Law? “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands shall wait for His law” (Isaiah 42:1-4). Isaiah prophesies concerning the Messiah and states emphatically that the Messiah will deliver a law.   The law is the foundation for the justice that He brings.  The law is the foundation of the hope of the “coastlands” that are waiting for his arrival. The law would be the truth that He delivers when He comes.  John wrote, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).   Jesus said we would be judged by His words (John 12:48).  We need to understand that Jesus came to deliver a law, not a law like Moses’ law, but a perfect law (James 1:25).  A better law (cf. Hebrews) and a better covenant. Jesus law, His covenant, is the New Testament and we are responsible for obeying that law. If we do not, we will be judged by the One who gave the law.  Are you obedient to …

God Alone. God speaks to Israel and encourages them to worship Him exclusively and prioritize Him alone in their lives. Dedication to God involves worshipping as He has commands and reverence for what is holy and sanctified for His purposes. Service Active. When God calls you to His service – which He does all people – and you respond by making a covenant with Him, and you agree to serve Him, you should understand that service is active.  God promises blessings to those who serve Him faithfully. There is a critical term in the previous statement, “serve.”  No servant serves by idleness.  No servant serves his master by not obeying his instructions.  God says, “…walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them.”  Three words, all active, all demanding action.  Examine your life – is there action on behalf of God?  Are you actively working as a servant, or have you become idle? Blessings Abound. The active servant of God in Israel had a promise to Him.  It was a definite promise, but it demanded faith and obedience.  If they would obey God, if they would walk in His statutes, then… “…I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.” – You will have blessings of the land. “Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing” – You will have sufficiency – …