Roger's Remarks
I did locate some articles on a “renewed” covenant, but nothing about “recovenant.” So, why is this word …recovenant… important? Why not call it recommit, or renew, or rediscover, or revive?
The short answer: Christians are a “covenant people.” If you look in the Bible, you many notice some important covenants. The Covenant with Noah, the Covenant with Abraham, the Covenant with Moses, the Covenant with God’s priests, the Covenant with David, and the New Covenant (initiated by Jesus); all of them are foundational in our Christian faith and heritage. In every case, we see that God is the initiator, and humans are the recipients who choose to participate in the covenant. The problem through the ages is the apathetic lack of participation/commitment on the part of humanity. Thus, people had to be reminded of the Covenants that God extended to them. It is the same for us.
I read an interesting perspective on the characteristics of covenants that I would like to share. They are:
1-An agreement- two parties /individuals who were separate before
2-Promises- the parties involved exchange vows /make promises to each other
3-Witnesses- both physical /spiritual witnesses during the making of a covenant
4-Signs- the physical/outward mark to remind the parties of their obligations to each other
5-Ceremony- rituals performed to seal the covenant
6- Conditions/consequences- each party is expected to honor their part of the covenant; failure leads to consequences.
7-Seal- a binding rite
On October 31, there will be a significant worship time that we will call “Recovanant Sunday.” I hope you can be present for one of the services on that day. Also, during October, we will be reminded of the major theme of the Covenant we share with God and with each other: I will be your God, and you will be my people.
Please be praying for our church as we consider some ways to revive, reinvigorate, reimagine, rediscover… our commitment to the Covenant in lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:28,
Pastor Roger