I admire the patience of the rhododendron bush that grows by the side of our house. Month after month, it sits, doing nothing but holding the same green leaves—no grand growth, no dramatic changes. But once a year, in late spring, everything changes. Green buds in the middle of each leaf cluster unfold to reveal big, bright fuchsia flowers. The humble bush transforms into a masterpiece bursting all around with beautiful blooms.
Today we see the unfolding of God’s covenant. In the Bible, covenant refers to the agreement between God and His people concerning His plan to rescue them and restore them to unity with Him forever. We can see its beauty from bud to bloom throughout the unfolding story of Scripture.
The bud of the old covenant centered on the commandments given through Moses and the system of animal sacrifice that God established to cleanse the nation of Israel from sin. The terms were set. God outlined the perfect pattern of love and obedience to ensure flourishing life with Him. Any deviation from His plan would result in separation and death. The Israelites could not hold up their end of the bargain. Disobedience grew like weeds, and Israel’s priests could never offer enough sacrifice to cover the people’s sins.
It seems like the plan failed. Could there be anything beautiful about the old covenant? Definitely! Through this covenant, God revealed a love for His people and His desire to be close to them. He uncovered the severe consequences of not following His ways: destruction and death. He exposed every person’s addiction to sin. These truths stand firm today. Clearly, each of us needs someone who can accomplish what we can’t.
The plan wasn’t a failure. Just watch the bud unfold and bloom. “See, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…” (Hebrews 8:8). God sent His Son to do what no one else could: fulfill the old covenant by standing in our place and holding up our end of the bargain. Jesus didn’t deviate from the plan. He lived a perfect life of love and obedience (1Peter 2:22). And He willingly became the spotless sacrifice that conquers sin.
Jesus’s fulfillment of the old covenant ushered in the new. It is for all nations, for all eternity (Revelation 7:9). What a beautiful transformation! The old covenant highlights our need; the new covenant highlights our hope. Jesus, our divine High Priest, secured the way for us to be united with Him forever. “He is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).
I love this study. I am in a season of very intense work at my job and at home but I love stopping here to read all your comments on this beautiful Scripture. Rhonda J I am praying for your dad. GramsieSue I am still praying for your husband. I ask for prayers on behalf of our miracle baby, our son Elijah who has his first sickness. He is ok but it is breaking my heart to see him sick at all and we are not sleeping. Thank you
Kacie, just wanted you to know that I just saw your post and praying for you right now that God will open another door for you. You have come to a good place for support. Be sure to check back tomorrow for there will be many prayers of support for you. May God hold you close in His arms.
I just want you ladies to know that I’m clinging hard to you all right now.. I work in the film industry as a medic, and it’s very common to be laid off, but I was just laid off… I’m in Montana and my family is in Texas. I met a guy on this show and we have been dating for around two months and we intended to leave together to further strengthen our relationship but today decided to go our separate ways for now. My roommate/friend/boss and I had a big unrelated falling out right before I moved out of the house and I am just feeling lost, confused on where to go next, living off of savings, with everything I own packed in my truck.. and I am just feeling unloved, unwanted, and quite frankly very lonely. I can’t even think of who I would call if I picked up the phone right now. So I just wanted to thank you, all who are my sisters in Christ, for being a sounding board and a piece of happy and solid in my life right now.
Just wanted to let you realize I enjoyed reading your post
I love how the devotional today showed that each covenant had a purpose in God’s plan. God knows what he is doing even when it may not seem like it.
Lord help me/us as I/we continue this journey of life. I/we know that with You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit there is hope and peace and nothing to fear. My/our needs will be met if I/we trust in You. Come and lift away all the burdens that trouble me/us. Help me/us to find the beautiful rest. In Jesus name, amen.
Sisters be blessed and turn everything over to God and Jesus.
Thank you Lord !
Oh TINA how I do love your posts. Thank you for letting Jesus shine through you!