When young children play, they develop and invent many games where the rules constantly change. The changing rule is usually in the best interest of the person who wants to win or wants to be in charge. If others disagree with the rule change then feelings are hurt, tears begin to fall, and relationships are in peril. The next day it is all over and the friendship and games start again. One of the most interesting pacts made is that young children make the “swearing to secrecy” covenant. And if the friendship is to remain intact then the deal is sealed with a pinky swear where the two fingers interlock. Because these are children, inevitably the promise will be broken and someone will feel a sense of hurt and betrayal, but innocence allows forgiveness and the relationship carries on as usual.
Another childhood covenant is made when two best friends decide to be blood sisters. The procedure requires that each person pricks her finger to draw blood, and then they connect fingers to symbolize the exchange of blood, and now they are connected for life. One can chuckle when reminiscing about childhood pacts and follies. The covenant made as a child is very different from the Old Testament covenant that God made for his people through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the lineage of David.
What is a covenant, and why is it so important to understand it? A covenant is a binding agreement between two parties that results in some action being taken.
God’s covenant provides the foundation and structure for life. When one thinks about covenants in the modern world, marriage is probably the first because it is the action that a man and woman take when committing to each other and God. Parents and children have a bond that connects them as a family. Real friends have a bond of nurture, respect, and love for one another. Covenants are in existence in society today. The Old Testament covenant began with Adam in the perfection of the Garden of Eden. Despite their failure, God was gracious because he had no obligation to man, but he bound himself by oath to a man who had proven to be an ungrateful, self-willed rebel. After dismissing Adam from the Garden of Eden, God extended grace.
This commitment by the Lord explains the pattern of our lives today, whether Christian or non-Christian. As we continue to sin, God continues to extend mercy and grace in our lives. Through the covenant from Adam to the New Testament, God has bound himself in love to us through the cross of Jesus Christ. He allows forgiveness for sins, offers an opportunity for redemption, and extends unwavering grace. Unlike our childhood promises, it is refreshing to know that God’s original covenant is still applicable today.
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