Bibledoorajar: The Value of Covenants

 "Covenants presupposed a king, a domain, a way of life, people, and often mediating servants. The covenant was an important administrative means within a kingdom."
                                                                                     Baker's Evangelical Dictionary

I remember visiting with some friends once who were very upset that someone in their neighborhood had not lived up to the covenant established as how the neighborhood would look in some respects. A bond had been broken; a mediator was needed to correct the problem. Peaceful relations were in peril within the community. It is difficult when covenants are broken, is it not? Ways of life disappear unless mediation is successful.

When God heard the groaning of His people in Egypt perhaps they were being sorely stretched to believe God's covenant with them was still in tact . Even the mediator God had selected to assure the people that the bond with them was in tact had his doubts at times. But the value of a biblical covenant is that God never doubts. His people may not see the bond clearly, especially in times of stress, but He always does. When God moved with the plagues, He made Himself displayed in Pharoah's domain. What great value was this!  It was more than wonderful for the Jews to have a God who had a plan that He Himself would ensure even though He would have to endure the sorcerers of Egypt and their conflict against His kingdom.

 In 2 Timothy 3 we read of two of the sorcerers who resisted the bond God had with his people. Called by name they were Jannes and Jambres, men of corrupt minds. Paul says these are the types that arise in times of peril deluding God's people that the covenants of God will not stand. Why even they can do some of that supernatural stuff! We are challenged to keep our eyes open for this false opposition, but rather totally trust the covenant the Father made with His Son. He would come to earth and ensure the bond would not be broken even though He would have to endure many hardships and conflicts against His kingdom ending with His death on the cross. In Hebrews it is worded this way.

" And for this cause He is the Mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."

The new testament, the new covenant, was brought about by means of death and it will endure through eternity. Take that you modern Jannes and Jambres! You will never best the value of our covenant no matter the perils of life!