“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you”. Luke 22: 19-20
Do you try your best to be a person of your word? I’m sure most of us do but as imperfect people we know that despite our best efforts there are many times we fail to deliver everything we have promised. We have many great intentions and want to believe that we will be able to fulfil all of our commitments but there are times when we end up disappointing people or letting them down as we just haven’t managed to keep to our side of the bargain. It might be our spouse, our kids, friends, colleagues or people in church, it doesn’t really matter who, but what is great for us to know today is that even when we disappoint each other, the Lord never changes how he feels about us.
When Jesus announced this new Covenant He was talking about a new type of relationship that we could enjoy with the Father. If you know much about covenants you will know that they require two parties to make an agreement, or promise that each side swears to keep. In yesterday’s verses we saw how God made a covenant with Abraham. But God in his mercy spares Abraham the consequences of human failure by putting Abraham into a deep sleep and taking on the responsibility himself to fulfil the covenant.
Today we see as Jesus introduces this new covenant He breaks the bread in two. Here he points back to the ceremony performed centuries earlier and he shows once more that the two sides of the covenant will be fully realised through his death and resurrection. Abraham was required to kill the animals and cut them in two to signify the two parts of the covenant. Here as Jesus breaks the bread in two he is reminding people of the former covenant and showing them that once more the Lord is providing a way for his people to receive the fullness of his grace. This is a permanent solution that will no longer require man to look to his own ability and effort. What’s more the Lord is saving you and me from the horrible consequences of our failure. Just as in the covenant with Abraham the smoking pot and flaming torch passed between the pieces. Jesus as he breaks the bread and offers it with the wine he demonstrates that He will pass through and suffer on our behalf. His body will be torn apart and his blood will be shed at the cross, paying the price that was necessary for us to be able to receive the unconditional love of the Father.
Can I say that this act of supreme love and generosity gives us faith today. He is the faithful one who is precisely faithful in the very areas that we are unfaithful. He knows that you and I will fail but He has already provided for that because He chose to go through for us. So each time we fail and feel condemned, whenever we are sick, worried or we need hope and strength we can approach the Father with complete assurance knowing that through the work at the cross Jesus passed through death and has made the way for us to receive life.
Please remember to share this daily devotion with your friends, and if anyone wants to receive ‘Grace for Today’ directly then please just sign up via our website at www.exchangechurchbelfast.com
Unshakeable Hope Series – Exchange Church Belfast 2021