My Blood Of The New Covenant

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Maundy Thursday April 13, 2017

Topic: My Blood Of The New Covenant                  

Text: Matthew 26: 20 – 30            

At the Last Supper and institution of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus stated that His blood is the blood of the new covenant.  Blood was needed for atonement by the people under the old covenant (those who lived before Jesus). Then they could only approach God through a priest with an animal for sacrifice. But the New Covenant requires all people to come directly to God through faith because Jesus’ death has made us acceptable in God’s eyes (Rom. 3:21-24). His blood atoned for our sins once and for all (Rom. 6:10).

The old covenant was a shadow of the new (Jer. 31:31; Heb. 8:1), pointing forward to the day when Jesus Himself would be the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin. The implication of the blood of Jesus is that we no longer need an unblemished lamb slain on the altar because the perfect Lamb of God was slain on the cross, a sinless sacrifice, so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. All those who believe in Christ receive that forgiveness.

The names we use for this sacrament instituted by Christ, gives us different understanding of its significance. As the Lord’s Supper we use it to commemorate the Passover meal Jesus ate with His disciples. When we call it the Eucharist (thanksgiving), it signifies our thanking to God for Christ’s work for us. Again, when we call it Holy Communion, it means that we commune with God and other believers which are essential for unity and love. When we come to partake in the Lord’s Supper, we should quietly reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for us with a heart of gratitude.

Food for Thought: What are the benefits we derive from the Holy Communion?

Memory verse: Matthew 26 verse 28 - For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Prayer: Lord God, as I partake in the Holy Eucharist, grant me the heart of gratitude for the ultimate price you paid for me.

Hosanna In The Highest

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Palm Sunday April 9, 2017

Topic: Hosanna In The Highest

Text: Mark 11:1 - 11

During the celebration of Passover festival, Jews usually come to Jerusalem from all over the Roman world for this week-long celebration to remember the great exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:37-51). It was on the Sunday preceding the festival, that Jesus entered Jerusalem as a King. Many in the crowds had heard of or seen Jesus and were hoping he would come to the Temple (John 11:55-57). He eventually came, not as a warring king on a horse or on a chariot, but as a gentle and peaceable King on a donkey’s colt (Zechariah 9:9). Thus with this entry, Jesus declared His Kingship and Messiahship. Unfortunately, some people misunderstood it.

The tumultuous crowd shouted “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Hosanna simple means “save now” or “save, we pray!" This was the cry of the multitudes as they thronged in our Lord's triumphal procession into Jerusalem. Some of these Jews were merely shouting Hosanna because others were shouting. Some others were shouting because they were indeed expecting a Messiah. These two groups were there.

Today, some of us shout Hosanna from our hearts while some others shout without believing what they are saying. Paul says that salvation is near our mouth (Romans 10:8-9). The confession you make, is it out of a sincere heart or just to fulfil all righteousness because you are in the crowd? Remember that our relationship and dealings with God are based on faith. 

Food for Thought: Do you mean the hosanna you shout or you do it to fulfill all righteousness?

Memory verse: Mark 11 verse 9

Prayer: Lord, let what I believe be same and true with my confession in Jesus name. Amen.

I HAVE NO MAN: Devotion for Monday September 28, 2015

I HAVE NO MAN     Monday September 28, 2015

Text: John 5:1 – 9     Memory verse: v 7

This feast (5:1) was not specified. The pool of Bethesda (5:2) was located just north of the temple area near the Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:32) and may have been used for washing sheep before Passover sacrifices. John 5:4 clarifies why there were so many ill people gathered around the pool and the reason behind the sick man’s words in 5:7. The question in 5:6 was geared to encourage an expression of the man’s desire, not his faith because Jesus wanted to provide a highly visible sign on the Sabbath (5:9). He also wanted to provoke the dialogue with the Jewish leaders concerning what should be allowed on the Sabbath day (5:10 – 47).

When this sick man said “I have no man,” he was thinking of the means of healing in that lake but Jesus knew what to do. Many a time, we preempt God’s way of healing. Some of us by our actions and words say “We have no help.” God is our helper. We should look up to Him for whatever we need, be it job, fruit of the womb, a life partner, etc. A Christian saying I have no man belittles God. One with God is said to be majority. With God you will get that desired job, car, house, child etc, in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: God is the helper of the helpless.

Prayer: God, help me out of my needs for you are the helper I have.