Covenant means . . .

Maybe definitions are the scourge of the earth . . .because many Greek students try a "new" translation with their Greek dictionary and absolutely miss abut 60-80% of the CONCEPT. So - when we attack the word "covenant" we can miss it by about a million miles. So - what makes ME think I am doing any better ?

Well, I'm aiming at a CONCEPT . . .that fits Biblical themes . . .so I'll let you judge for yourself. I do wish YOU to know that I know the problem and it is at the heart of MANY disagreements about doctrine and biblical interpretations . . .

Covenant means agreement about something . . .but the word I am using means a SURRENDER to God's will by saying something very similar to what Mary said when she was challenged with the situation of being pregnant without help of a man - and not married yet ! After the angel presented her with the IMPOSSIBLE situation, her response was my theme for LIFE - "May it BE to me, even as YOU have said." That is the kind of agreement humans should have in a deal with God.

That response is involved in the Hebrew concept of obedience and FAITH - one who has faith "hides himself under the one he responds to for protection and relationship. We note it in the Bible many times in a short-form - simply "I am your servant" . . .the long form was "You may do with me whatever you wish" - and is similar to our raising our hands in surrender . . .the concept had three Hebrew words and ideas - (1) listen towards a speaker; (2) run towards the one who speaks; and (3) hide oneself under the one we respond to . . .for protection.

So - OUR short form Biblical concept for today is - Hebrews 1 says "God spoke to us in a son" - which makes JESUS HIMSELF the message. We hear HIM and run to hide ourselves UNDER HIM for His protection and identity . . .which is another story we will get to later.

If we read ALL the OT, we would see dozens of PICTURES of JESUS . . .in prophecy as well as feasts and sacrifices . . .and don't forget- HE was the manna come down from heaven and the rock that gave them water.

If we trace the history from a legal perspective, the idea of "covenant" involves PROMISE. First year law students learn that . . .it's just part of the idea in history. HOWEVER - don't forget, if we are to get ideas, we pretty well have to see them played out in the Bible to know God's mind. We've twisted all kinds of meanings (besides "faith-obedience") and generally we end up getting the focus on US . . .and the concept of PROMISE just won't do that . . .it focuses on GOD. Once we see and accept that the Bible is about JESUS - maybe our focus can be sharpened in that direction. As Paul told the Colossians 2:9 "ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in HIM BODILY" . . .plus Paul wrote that God gave HIM preeminence in all things . . .Colossians 1:18.

For today - think one thought - JESUS is the Promise of God . . .to US. My short form concept of that is: Jesus is covenant . . .but that's our pilgrimage together !