The Climax of the Covenant “What is the climax of the Covenant of the Lord with His people?” Many of us would probably apply personal categories in our thinking as to the answering of this pertinent question. We would perhaps consider the prospect of the Lord returning to gather His Church for a wedding feast to be held in Heaven. “Rapture” is an answer we would receive from parts of the Christian community. And, on the other hand, there are a great number who avoid the question by working hard in the securing of personal comfort zones and, also, in efforts to accomplish social change in the establishing of “kingdom realities” here and now, according to their own liking. A proper answer to this question rests with the understanding of the covenant itself, its desired aim and the peculiar way of Heaven to accomplish appropriate fullness. The beginning of the opening of the question lies with one of the names which God chooses for Himself – the “God of Israel”, even “the Redeemer of Israel”. The covenants established with this insignificant nation in its initial history and the all-encompassing, everlasting covenant expressed through a prophetic process, in direct words and in a foretelling of historical events reveals a peculiar choice of God, which involves a nation, and nations raging in envy and awe, and a radical turning point by which God settles the question pertaining to His own choice. The choice of God, the God of Heaven and earth, stands radically opposed by the many nations – and the climate hardens day by day towards a point at which the perennial rage will require a final annihilation of that which may be called the Promised Land and the land of promise, of that which God chooses according to His own liking. Forces in the unseen give ample support – strange entities igniting rebellion and an ever expanding hatred from positions in high places. The climax of the covenant is uncompromisingly summarized in a subject heading, which has to be considered with utmost care. The prophets return to the subject repeatedly – “In that day”. Isaiah is allowed to define: “The day of the LORDS vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion”. He is allowed to come near to the heart of the Lord to understand the nature of the climactic event to come. He recognizes and is overwhelmed by the fact that “The day of vengeance is in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” A day, very near at hand, lies prepared in which the covenant is to be finalized in the turning of the hearts of the Jewish nation to their Lord – according to the eternal covenant. A day, very near at hand, lies prepared for the nations in which they all will be severely reduced – for the Glory of the Lord to be recognized and revered in solemn obedience. A day, very near at hand, lies prepared for the Jews to turn their hearts in true repentance to the Lord, their God, for the receiving of a new heart – according to the covenant. A day, very near at hand, lies prepared for the nations for the repenting and turning of their hearts to God, the God of Israel. This is the climax of the everlasting covenant… This day, this particular day, may be regarded as an object of awe and an event to thoroughly prepare for. This day will come in as a thief for the many, both Christian as well as non-Christian, who carelessly move on according to tradition and in self-addressing efforts to secure comfort and ease – even amidst obvious shakings. This day may be seriously considered, by the priestly minded minority among Christians, for the sake of preparing assistance amidst sorrow – it will be a day of trouble for Jacob, as well as for the many, who reject the peculiar choice of the Lord for the revealing of His faithfulness and glory. The Climax of the Covenant will lift fort the Glory of the Lord, to be recognized in awe and humility, and to be enjoyed forever by those who dare to acknowledge His sovereign choice. Lars Widerberg Reading: Jer 31:31-33, Jes 34:8, Isa 63:4. Jer 30:7, Hebr 12: 26-28
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 10:31:06 +0000
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