Joy

God made a covenant with the people. A covenant is an agreement that both parties have a requirement to honour. Usually there is something that both parties involved have to do in order to fulfil the covenant. The covenant God made with Israel is spelled out in very simple terms. God started out with Israel’s responsibility. He said, “Obey me and do everything I command you.” (Jeremiah 11 v 4). God had put rules in place that were for Israel’s own good. They were not hard and should have been a pleasure to keep.

God’s side of the bargain was more complicated. If Israel kept their side of the bargain, then God said, “You will be my people, and I will be your God. Then I will fulfil the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey – the land you possess today.” (Jeremiah 11 v 4 – 5). God’s side of the bargain was a much more generous one.

Even under Christ the covenant is still very similar. Our task is to obey and live God’s way, which is also the way that is good for us. His side of the agreement is to fill our lives with the blessings that lead to eternal life. It’s a no-brainer really. The covenant God makes with us is a bargain. Why would we resist?