Devotional by J.Pierce

Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, Yahweh, we thank You for the covenants You have made with us through the ages. Open our hearts and minds as we explore the significance of the Old and New Testaments, and the blessings that come from living in accordance with Your divine agreements. In the name of Yeshua, Amen."

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Introduction:

The Bible is divided into two significant sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. These terms, "testament," denote covenants, agreements, or pacts between God and humanity. In these covenants, man agrees to follow God’s commandments, and in return, God promises certain blessings. Today, we will delve into the meanings behind these testaments and their impact on our spiritual journey.

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Scripture Exploration:

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Scripture Text: Hebrews 8:6-13

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Hebrews 8:6 (RV 1895): "But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises."

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Hebrews 8:7 (RV 1895): "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second."

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Hebrews 8:8 (RV 1895): "For finding fault with them, he saith, "Behold, the days come, saith Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;"

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Hebrews 8:9 (RV 1895): "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them forth out of the land of Egypt; for they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith Yahweh."

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Hebrews 8:10 (RV 1895): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Yahweh; I will put my laws into their mind, and on their heart also will I write them: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."

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Hebrews 8:11 (RV 1895): "And they shall not teach every man his fellow-citizen, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: For all shall know me, from the least to the greatest of them."

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Hebrews 8:12 (RV 1895): "For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and their sins will I remember no more."

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Hebrews 8:13 (RV 1895): "In that he saith, "A new covenant," he hath made the first old. But that which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away."

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Deep Dive: Exploring the Scriptures in Depth

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The Old Testament: The Old Testament contains the covenants God made with His people, including those with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. These agreements included laws and commandments that guided the Israelites in their relationship with God and each other. Key blessings promised in these covenants included prosperity, protection, and a lasting relationship with God.

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The New Testament: The New Testament introduces the new covenant through Yeshua, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament. This new agreement is based on grace and faith in Jesus Christ, rather than strict adherence to the law. It offers forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God, accessible to all who believe.

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Insights on the Covenants:

1. Continuity and Fulfillment: The New Testament does not abolish the Old Testament but fulfills its promises, showing the continuity of God’s plan.

2. Better Promises: The new covenant offers better promises, including internal transformation and direct relationship with God through Yeshua.

3. Reciprocal Nature: Both covenants emphasize a reciprocal relationship where obedience to God’s commands brings His blessings.

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Relatable Scenario

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Consider a school grading system. In the old system, students were graded harshly with strict criteria and high penalties for mistakes, making it difficult for many to succeed. A new grading system is introduced that focuses on growth, understanding, and effort, providing support and opportunities for students to improve and succeed. Similarly, the Old Testament had strict laws that were hard to keep, while the New Testament brings grace and a more personal relationship with God through Yeshua.

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Reflection & Application:

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1. How does the fulfillment of the Old Testament through the New Testament affect your understanding of God’s promises?

2. In what ways can you embrace the new covenant’s offer of a personal relationship with God?

3. Reflect on how your life changes when you follow God’s commandments and experience His blessings.

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Practical Steps or Challenge:

1. Study Both Testaments: Read passages from both the Old and New Testaments to understand the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises.

2. Live the Covenant: Identify specific ways to live out your commitment to God’s commandments in your daily life, embracing the new covenant's principles of grace and faith.

3. Share Your Insights: Explain the concept of the old and new covenants to a friend or family member, highlighting how they represent God's ongoing relationship with humanity.

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Closing Prayer:​

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"Yahweh, we are grateful for the covenants You have made with us and for the blessings You promise when we follow Your commandments. Help us to understand and live out the new covenant through Yeshua, experiencing the fullness of Your grace and love. Guide us in our journey of faith, and may we always walk in Your ways. In Yeshua's name, Amen."

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Further Study:

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1. Genesis 17:1-8 – God’s Covenant with Abraham

2. Exodus 19:3-6 – Yahweh’s Covenant with Israel at Sinai

3. Jeremiah 31:31-34 – The Promise of a New Covenant

4. Hebrews 8:6-13 – Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant

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Concluding Thoughts:

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The Old and New Testaments together reveal the complete picture of God’s relationship with humanity. The Old Testament lays the groundwork with laws and promises, while the New Testament brings these promises to fulfillment through Yeshua. Understanding these divine pacts helps us appreciate the depth of God’s love and His unwavering commitment to bless those who follow Him. Embrace the new covenant’s offer of grace and a personal relationship with Yahweh, trusting in His everlasting promises.