Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη
Transliteration: diathēkē
Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay
Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.
KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).
Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a covenant, a divine contract, between God and the people. Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.

As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.

We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 5

Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham and blessed him when Abraham was returning from defeating the kings. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured. In the first place, Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace). No one knows anything about Melchizedek’s father, mother, or ancestors. No one knows when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people. Moses’ Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham’s descendants. Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God’s promises. No one can deny that the more important person blesses the less important person. Hebrews 7:1‭-‬7

Strong’s Number – G2409
Greek: ἱερεύς
Transliteration: hiereus
Pronunciation: hee-er-yooce’
Definition: From G2413; a priest (literally or figuratively): – (high) priest.
KJV Usage: priest (31x), high priest (1x).
Occurs: 32
In verses: 30

So, according to Strongs, in this scripture, this is literally and figuratively “a priest” – a high priest. Its usage occurs 32 times in 30 verses.

I love the parallels to Jesus in this scripture.

Melchizedek, being the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Abraham was blessed by him and then he gave the king a 10th of everything he had captured.

Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. King of Salem means king of peace. No one knows about Melchizedek’s background. Not even when he died. Like Jesus, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. It’s obvious how important he was. Even though Melchizedek wasn’t from the tribe of Levi, he still received a 10th of everything from Abraham. Abraham had God’s promises.

Personally, I’m not certain how this applies to us today. If anything, a history lesson and a correlation between Melchizedek and Jesus as “Hight Priest”.

This may be far-reaching… but, my thoughts are that Melchizedek was a human manifestation of Jesus just for this purpose of scripture and the people to experience a “high priest” who was all godly and righteous. An example of our Savior to come.

I’m in total awe and fear (reverence) to GOD. This is amazing.

Father God, Abba Yah, show us Your purpose in this scripture and how we can apply it to our lives today. Correct me if I’m wrong in my thoughts expressed above. I do not want to be sharing nonsense to anyone. I praise, honor, glorify, and LOVE You, Almighty Yahweh. Thank You, in advance for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Day 3

Dear friends, even though we say these things, we are still convinced that better things are in store for you and that they will save you. God is fair. He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him. You helped his holy people, and you continue to help them. We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end. Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience. Hebrews 6:9‭-‬12

Strong’s Number – G4136
Greek: πληροφορία
Transliteration: plērophoria
Pronunciation: play-rof-or-ee’-ah
Definition: From G4135; entire confidence: – (full) assurance.
KJV Usage: full assurance (3x), assurance (1x).
Occurs: 4
In verses: 4

Full assurance – entire confidence (confident underlined above)

The writer of Hebrews is conveying to his listeners/readers of this letter to hold onto the assurance and confidence that God will never forsake them. That God is fair. God will remember their good works to work out their salvation. That they won’t be lazy and that they’re imitators of those receiving promises through faith and patience.

So, how does this apply to us in our lives? How can we live differently in light of this truth?

• We must trust God and what He tells us in His word.
• Be confident and assured, fully, in our trust in God.
• Don’t be lazy with what we know and have learned in His word.
• As His word says; “He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him.”
• And, the word also states, “We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end.”
• Never give up! Be patient and trust God. His timing is perfect.

Dear Heavenly Father, God [Abba Yah], I lift up each reader to You. I pray that they trust and have confidence in You. I pray that they work hard proving themselves in hard work and know that You will keep your promises and they will receive them in faith and patience. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.