Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. [Hebrews 8:6 NRSV]
The concept of divine testaments and promises is woven throughout human history. There seemed to be such communications in Eden. When the floodwaters receded God spoke such words to Noah. Abraham was made promises by God. And Moses received a testament on the mountain. Genesis, the first biblical book, is filled with covenants. It teaches us about the prevailing concept of God.
That said, it seems consistent that a person writing to Hebrews would speak of "a better covenant" with "better promises". It does make me wonder though. Is the concept more human than divine? Is it simply an evidence of a human legal mindset? Is it possible that we have gotten it wrong? Is the better covenant not really a covenant at all? Is it actually a manifestation of God himself?
When Jesus spoke of coming to fulfill the law was he not speaking to how the law was an imperfect reflection of the heart of God? Do we not see the flaws in Mosaic law when our eyes are opened to Jesus, the heart of every covenant and promise? I guess what I am trying to communicate is the idea that there has only ever been one covenant. And the covenant is named Jesus.
Lord. Please open the eyes of my heart that I might understand your heart.
... this devotion is part of a series from the book of Hebrews.
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