The Reward of a Covenant

Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.

Thought For Today

I hope to see peace in the Middle East. President Donald Trump has declared that he will work hard to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table. I hope and pray that this happens.
News about turmoil in the Middle East reminds me of the wars I saw as a child. One war that caught my interest during my research was the Six-Day War. Although it happened before I was born, it has ties to scripture, which I wanted to highlight. Israel achieved significant military victories over its neighbors in the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). Despite ongoing hostilities between the two sides, a remarkable event occurred in 1978: Israel and Egypt, even though adversaries, signed a peace treaty known as the Camp David Accords. While these discussions did not resolve every issue or alter the historical animosity, they resulted in Egypt's formal recognition of Israel's right to exist. In return, Israel agreed to return all captured territory in the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt and Israel made a covenant together.

A covenant, as seen in the story of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 15; 17), is a form of agreement that can benefit various parties. Generally, covenants were agreements between two parties, often humans or nations. God said that if the people meet the terms of the covenant, they will be set apart and valued above others. Compliance with the covenant's terms would distinguish them from the rest of the world.

There was a period in my life marked by internal conflict, a struggle between sinful desires and the call to righteousness. A war raged inside of me. Ultimately, I chose to commit myself to God's covenant, which brought me victory and blessings. I encourage you to do the same.