Everlasting Covenant

By: Kenya Gossett 

Israel. The chosen nation of God. The one He has defended and loved through every victory and every shortcoming. A nation that He has turned His heart and face to, even though they have repeatedly turned their back on Him. His grace has remained steadfast and abundant, carrying them through the ages. When you read through the Old Testament, you will see that it has been a difficult road for the Israelites. God’s patience has run thin, but it has never disappeared. Even when they have idolized every other god but Him, or have murmured, doubting His goodness or even involving themselves in the worst kind of immorality, God has loved them and strengthened them as a whole.

As I was reading in Ezekiel 16 on the unfaithfulness of Jerusalem, I was overwhelmed with the patience God had because it wasn’t just a one time case. It seemed as if Israel was always getting themselves into trouble. Of course their failures did not come without some sort of consequence, but God never cut them off. He would correct them justly, but follow it with love. 

As I continued reading Ezekiel 16, God went on to tell Jerusalem the judgement that was going to be bestowed upon them for their vile acts but it’s the way He finished His word, that hit my spirit. 

It suddenly all made sense on why He has spared His people. 

“Nevertheless, I will earnestly remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth and I will establish with you an EVERLASTING COVENANT.” Ezekiel 16:60

Everlasting: lasting forever or for a very long time. Eternal. Undying. Enduring.

Covenant: an agreement. Commitment. Bond. 

Wow. That is a huge promise! His love for His people runs deep. It is undying and enduring. It is because of that beautiful, everlasting covenant that Israel is still standing today and will until the end of time. God will never break His vow. That is why when any nation or government puts a target on Israel, they end up with an even bigger one on their back. For there is a mighty Father who watches over His children. 

But have you ever thought that the same mercy and protection applies to us? Sure, we may not be Israel but we are just as much His children because of what He did on Calvary. He signed a contract and adopted us as His own. The moment His blood touched the earth, we were forever covered and joined with Him. Hallelujah!

It was easy for me to judge the Israelites for their unfaithfulness. but the Lord quickly reminded me of the mistakes I have made. I too have been found guilty of the same sins. I have doubted the Word of God. I complained in my season of walking in the wilderness. I have idolized things and people, putting them on a throne that did not belong to them. I have gotten myself into situations that I had no business being apart of. Honestly, I really shouldn’t be here. but it’s because of the saving power and covenant of the Old Rugged Cross, that I too have been spared from eternal fire.

When I was faithless, God remained faithful. He was true to His Word and His righteous character. He poured out His amazing grace. He has been patient and has shown me His loving kindness, time and time again. He has my heart. I may have reaped in a few areas for He is still just but it hasn’t stopped His blood from flowing in my life. Which I am eternally changed, renewed, and grateful for that. 

However, His mercy is not only shadowing me. I believe that it is sweeping across this nation and over every believer like never before. God is giving His people time to truly make things right and has given America a chance to choose this day whom she is going to serve. I pray that we do not take this leniency for granted. I have learned a great lesson. Just because we are covered in grace, does not mean that we can willfully disobey or stray. 

There is a deceiving mentality spreading that says “Oh I’m saved and have accepted Him as Savior, so I can still do whatever I want. He will forgive me.” I’m sorry but that is not how it works and it does not guarantee you a ticket into the Kingdom of Heaven. That is abusing the gift He has freely bestowed upon us. 

“What shall we say? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace (favor and mercy) may multiply and overflow? Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer?” Romans 6:1 AMP

Beloved, renew yourself daily. Die to the ways of the flesh. Awaken the fear of God. Love the Lord your God with ALL of your heart, soul and mind. The Lord has redeemed our life from the pit and has crowned us with love and compassion. How can we not fully devote ourselves? 

My prayer for all of us today, is that we would not turn away from His precepts but that we would strengthen the covenant that we have with the God of Israel by being a holy people, immersed in Him. Unspotted and untainted by the world. 

Let us go forth today in power and authority, sharing the good news to the hopeless and destroying the works of darkness. Let us abound in grace upon grace upon grace. The world needs what we have. and they need those who truly know the importance of His Everlasting Covenant and the abundant life that comes with it. For Such A Time As This. 

Love and Prayers, Kenya-Nicole