Covenant : God Promises and God Acts

Summary:

Peter Tepper’s sermon explores the concept of covenant in the context of the Presentation of Christ. He begins by sharing a personal story about meeting his wife, illustrating the idea of covenant through their relationship. Tepper emphasizes that covenants are rare in modern times but are crucial for understanding the Bible.

Key Points:

1. Definition of Covenant:
   • A covenant involves promise, action, and response.
   • Unlike contracts, a covenant is deeply relational and spiritual.
2. Biblical Examples:
   • Abraham: God promised Abraham descendants and land, acting through the birth of Isaac despite Abraham and Sarah’s initial infertility.
   • Moses: God delivered the Israelites from Egypt before giving them the Ten Commandments, highlighting a covenant of grace rather than works.
   • David and Noah: God made significant covenants with both, promising enduring legacies and protection.
3. Presentation of Christ:
   • Mary and Joseph’s act of presenting Jesus at the temple aligns with the Jewish tradition of redeeming the firstborn.
   • Simeon’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah fulfills God’s promise to Israel.
4. The Binding of Isaac (Aqedah):
   • Tepper discusses the radical shift in worship practices with God providing a ram instead of Isaac, symbolizing God’s provision and mercy.
5. Jesus as the Ultimate Covenant:
   • Jesus’ life and sacrifice fulfill the covenant, making further sacrifices unnecessary.
   • His identification with humanity, including his family’s humble offering at the temple, underscores his role as the redeemer.
6. Response to God’s Covenant:
   • God’s grace bids us to renew their covenant with God through communion, reflecting on God’s promises and their own responses.