ENTERING THE COVENANT Read Genesis 17:9-13. TEXT: And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised .... (Luke 2:21a).

Long before the first Christmas God chose Abraham, set him apart from his family and neighbors, sent him off to a new land, and promised to make him into a great nation. He promised that from his offspring God would raise up the great Savior whose birth we celebrate during this Christmas season.

God made a covenant, a glorious agreement with Abraham, promising He would richly bless Abraham and all his descendants. Abraham was circumcised as a visible, physical sign to remind him daily of the covenant that stood forever between him and his God. All his male children were to share that sign of circumcision when they reached eight days of age.

In many ways, it was a one-sided covenant. God made all the promises and did all the work. All He asked of Abraham and his descendants was that they dedicate themselves to Him, love and serve the Lord alone. But repeatedly through the Old Testament, Abraham's descendants failed to keep the covenant.

Now Jesus enters that covenant in our place. He takes all its obligations upon Himself, shedding His blood to seal His allegiance to God His Father. His entire life will be one of obedience to God, loving, fearing and trusting His Father before all things. And in the fullness of time He will shed His blood anew on the cross. There He will wash away all our sins.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for placing Yourself under God's plan in our place, that we might be saved from sin, death and hell, and given a place with You in heaven forever. Amen.
 

Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 1-3    Matthew 1

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