The unusual object in this photo is used to put an official seal on important documents. I recall using one of these when in Local Government employment. Melted red wax would be applied to an important document, then the metal seal would be pressed down on the wax to leave an impression of the official Council Seal. The document now sealed and with accompanying signatures was considered to be genuine and binding.

A covenant is a similar strong agreement or legal contract. It is between two or more parties. These days, electronic sealing has largely superseded the manual method, but the principle is still the same in that the origin and integrity of the document is guaranteed.

It is not strange then, that God would also have a method of sealing or making his promise of peace permanent. God has done this by making a covenant in the blood of his Son. Remember those words of Jesus, at the Last Supper or Passover meal with his disciples, “… This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you…” Luke 22:20. NIV.

Our still continuing use of agreements or covenants is steeped in antiquity. The word COVENANT has a root meaning ‘to cut’. Tribal chiefs for example could cut a covenant with each other, thus promising mutual protection. it was a binding agreement! It involved drops of blood from each party being mixed in a cup of wine which would then be mutually shared, thus making them blood brothers.
In fact, it is documented that Henry Stanley in his search for David Livingstone cut covenant with African chieftains to ensure his own safety and protection.

As Christians we can sometimes have doubts about God’s peace. Does God always accept and love me? Is God always committed to my welfare and best interests? The answer is a big, affirmative YES!! This is what a covenant is all about, it is strong and permanent. The peace Jesus gives is based on the forgiveness of sins, it ensures we are always justified in God’s sight. He indeed becomes, “…The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:6. NIV.

GOD’S COVENANT OF PEACE IS AN ETERNAL REALITY!

Ref. Isaiah 42:6, 54:10, Matthew 26:28. NIV.