On Saturday we looked at the book of Malachi. We saw God pleading with Israel to turn from their rebellious hearts to see Him as He is—Glorious, Gracious, Joyous, and Perfect Righteousness. He wanted them to discover Him, because He so wanted to pour out His treasures upon them; yet, they were so caught up in themselves that every act they did of tithing, sacrifice, and following the law was an act to bring self honor. It was as if they were saying, “God, aren’t you so proud to have worshippers such as we? Then give us all that our self-centered heart’s desire.” Still God knew that were He to hand them those desires, they would only want more of counterfeit things; because, their hearts were performing these acts out of dark, self-exhalting, self-centered hearts.
Artwork courtesy of Ronald Barba and is copyright protected © 2012 Ronald Barba
In God’s great wisdom, He knows the only true joy that can be found is found in Him. He knows that the only true righteousness can be obtained through faith in Him. He knows that Perfect Love is only in Him.
You might erroneously say that, He then thinks too highly of Himself; but what a fool that would make you. He is the Creator of the entire Universe and each tiny miraculous cell of this earth. His beauty, righteousness and glory so exceed anything that our finite minds can imagine and has since before time and space even existed; because He was eternal. He had no need for mankind—the trinity of God was complete within itself. It is His overwhelming act of unselfishness that He desired to share all that He has and is with another and thus created man. It is His great and tremendous Grace that would continue to contend with
such a rebellious, pride filled lot that fail to see or honor Him as He should be honored. I want us to take a few days to look at God’s Covenant Promises to mankind. His contract which was written in the blood of Christ upon the cross has been present from the beginning of Genesis. Indeed, God had already formed this plan of redemption before the earth was ever formed. That He was willing to endure the rejection of so many, to endure the ridicule, the presence of evil for so long because He so loved each and every one who would come to accept Him is an act of pure Grace and overwhelming love for one such as I. (For an in-depth discussion of these concepts please go back to the 7 part series I posted beginning December 28 and ending January 8 called: The Good Pleasure of God’s Will) I think we can learn a lot about God’s Covenant Promises with mankind which will help guide our walk with God.
We will need to look at:
1. God’s Covenant to Adam
2. God’s Covenant to Abraham
3. God’s Covenant to the Israel Nation at Horeb
4. God’s New Covenant as outlined in Hebrew which is an extension of the original covenant.
Before we complete this, I think you will find that each and every covenant was not only based upon God’s Grace and Mercy. He provided by faith the righteousness needed, He provided the atonement needed, and He was the one who reached out pleading with the people to come to Him.
I sincerely hope and pray that by the time we finish reviewing these covenants we will join in singing the chorus of Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
I thought you might enjoy this hymn as well, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2012 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/ultimate-inspiration-gods-plan-of-love-ronald-barba.html
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception of my own book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”