Good Friday Devotion

But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ – dying that death, shedding that blood – you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything. (Ephesians 2:11-13 The Message) Covenant Through Christ In Old Testament times, the Jewish people enjoyed a unique covenant with God. This covenant included special promises, perks, and privileges: If you live by my decrees and obediently keep my commandments, I will send the rains in their seasons, the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. You will thresh until the grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting tome; you’ll have more that enough to eat and will live save and secure in your land. I’ll make the country a place of peace – you’ll be able to go to sleep at night without fear; I’ll get rid of the wild beasts; I’ll eliminate war. (Leviticus 26:3-6 The Message) Who wouldn't want that? In fact, that was the idea. The Bible tells us God intended for His covenant with His chosen people to produce a sense of, "I want that!" in the heart of everyone else. Jesus' death on the cross extended God's covenant beyond the Jews and made it available to anyone who receives Him as Savior. Now because of Christ – dying that death, shedding that blood – you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything. (Ephesians 2:13 The Message) What a great deal! Through Jesus we've inherited the promises, perks, and privileges that were once restricted to the nation of Israel. Instead of being alone, we've been brought near.