The Covenant of Peace 

“I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an everlasting covenant with them.”
Ezekiel 37:26 (ESV)

How good is our word? The news headlines are full of talk about broken promises and failed treaties. No sooner is a truce declared than it seems to fall apart. Once again, as international tensions rise, people wonder whether there is any hope for a peaceful future. In the passage above Ezekiel discusses God’s promise of everlasting peace. Most English translations of this scripture use the old-fashioned word “covenant” instead of treaty or agreement. The thought is that God will establish an eternal covenant of peace with humanity. This is the new covenant confirmed in Jesus Christ.

Isaiah also refers to this future of peace. Imagine, he wrote, the mountains collapsing or the hills crumbling down. Even if that were to happen, and the whole world falls in on itself, it would not change the certainty of God’s promise of peace. He records the God of compassion as saying to us that, “even if the mountains walk away or the hills fall to pieces, my love won’t walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart” (Isaiah 54:10, the Message). It may be that our world leaders don’t believe in God anyway or don’t care much even if they do believe. But perhaps they could learn from this idea. Truces are for keeping. Let’s not talk of temporary ceasefires. Rather speak of permanent peace, as God does. God’s word is good, and his promise of peace will not fail.

Prayer
Great God of Peace, thank you for the certain promises we have in Jesus Christ, for your gracious gift of the eternal covenant of peace. In Jesus’ name.
Amen 

Study by James Henderson

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About the Author:
James Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. This week James is speaking in our Northampton congregation. You are welcome to attend any of our local congregations.  For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Contact:
Email: admin@daybyday.org.uk