THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 479

We are a chosen people! In the Old Testament and Genesis specifically, Adam and Eve had been accustomed to being blanketed by the glory of God. However, after they sinned, they "hid themselves from the presence of God." Indeed, the two hid among the trees in the Garden.  (Genesis 3:8) At the time, God pronounced five separate curses and judgments.

These included: God cursed the serpent (Genesis 3:14), God pronounced judgement (Genesis 3:16) God judged Adam to a life of toil (Genesis 3:17), God cursed the ground (Genesis 3:18), and that the human race as a consequence of Adam and Eve's disobedience would know eventual death (Genesis 3:19).

But God's love story for His people does not end there. Indeed, in the midst of God's judgement is a wonderful promise of redemption. The Lord declared that He was going to send the seed of the woman to bring deliverance -- a promise fulfilled in the conquest of Jesus Christ on the cross.

In Genesis 3:15, the scriptures state, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her Seed, He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel." This is the first prophesy of the coming of Christ. Not only is this a prophecy of His birth but it is a prophecy of His work but I digress. God initiated the first blood sacrifice in Genesis 3:21 that states,  "made coats of skins and clothed them." God's first sacrifice covered Adam and Even's sin with animal's blood.

From the time of Adam to the time of Christ, the scriptures are filled with accounts of how God entered into blood covenants with His people. For example:

Noah's first act after coming out of the ark (Genesis 8:20)

Abraham was told by the Lord "This is my covenant which you shall keep. Every male child among you shall be circumcised." (Genesis 17:10)

Moses after God delivered the commandments "And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people." (Exodus 24:8)

Abraham and Sarah sealed their relationship by covenant and the setting apart of seven ewe lambs (Genesis 21:22-23)

Covenant between Jacob and Laban was sealed when Jacob offered a sacrifice (Genesis 31:54)

But even so, God knew that regardless of man's abilities (and capabilities) we were destined to fail. As a consequence of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden, we were born sinners. As it is written, "There is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10). This is why the last covenant --- Jesus atoning of sin -- is the ultimate sacrifice. 

While Abel's blood in the Old Testament cried out for justice to be done, the blood of Jesus -- the blood of our Lord and Saviour -- the God who loved us so much that He would become flesh and dwell among us --revealed to the world that justice has been done. Our sins are forgiven. "And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel."  (Hebrews 12:24) Yes, as believers, we welcome Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant into our hearts. It is this promise - the promise of salvation bought and paid for by the shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross - that is freely given to us and to our children and to all those that are afar off. 

Trust in Jesus today! Be filled with His glory! Stand in the Offering Plate.