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Day 12 – New Covenant Nehemiah 10:28-39 Whenever documents are signed, people are eager to get started on their new life, whether it’s the establishment of a new country, new marriage, new partnership, new job, or anything people signed a binding agreement before witnesses. Israel was eager to start their new way of life in agreement with the covenant God made with Moses and put behind them the lifestyle leading them to exile. They renounced the gods of the nations surrounding them, separated themselves from the people of the land, dissolving their marriages, and committing themselves wholly to God and His ordinances. They agreed to pay their tithes according to the covenant and to declare the seventh year the year of debt release. Further they committed to keeping the Sabbath and no buying or selling would take place. As Christians we enter into a covenant much like the children of Israel did when God gave Moses the law in the wilderness, and again when Ezra read the law having returned from exile and rebuilt the walls and gates of Jerusalem and the temple. Our covenant is to love one another as Jesus loves us and gave Himself for us. We are to put ourselves on the line for the Word of God, and do everything in our power to make disciples of all nations. That is the new covenant we committed our lives to in the service of Jesus Christ. Everything was brand new for Israel when they made their commitment to serve God. Everything was brand new for us when we accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord. Our covenant is no different from the one Israel made to God. They promised to obey the law. We promised to love everyone including our enemies, by which all those who see us will know we are Christians. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (KJV) Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) Have you made the commitment to Jesus Christ, to walk in His ways, and follow in His footsteps? If so, then you too have made a new covenant to obey God’s Word, to make disciples of all nations, and love all people everywhere. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for Your Word which is a binding agreement between You and me. Help me to obey Your Word and commit myself wholly to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 7 February 2016 by Valerie Jean Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay