The Covenant and the Call to Relationship

 The Covenant and the Call to Relationship

Exodus 24:1–8

Brothers and sisters, today we turn to Exodus 24:1–8, a powerful moment when God and His people entered into a covenant at Sinai. The passage describes two key actions: the reading of God’s Word and the sprinkling of blood. Together, they show us how deeply God desires not just obedience from His people, but a real, living relationship with them.

First, Moses read aloud the words of the covenant—God’s law, His commands, His instructions. The people responded with confidence: “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” (Exod. 24:7). Their words were sincere, but as we know, their obedience was short-lived. Soon they turned aside to idols and rebellion. This shows us the reality of human weakness—we may promise with enthusiasm, but our strength cannot carry us far.

Then came the sprinkling of the blood. Moses took the blood of the sacrifice and sprinkled it on the altar and the people, saying, “Behold, the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you.” The blood symbolized cleansing, sealing, and life given. It was God’s way of saying that the covenant was not just about rules but about a bond—a relationship established through sacrifice.

That is the heart of our God. He is not a God of mere agendas, contracts, or legal codes. He is a God of relationships. His covenant is never just “Do this and live,” but rather, “I will be your God, and you will be My people.” That is why Jesus later declared in John 12:32, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” The cross was the ultimate sprinkling of blood—not on stone or on an altar, but poured out once for all, to draw us into a living relationship with Him.

And so we see: our promises alone will fail, just as Israel’s did. We cannot sustain obedience by willpower. What God requires is not empty vows but a heart bound to Him in love. A close, personal relationship with God is the only way to overcome our weakness and fragility. His Spirit within us makes obedience possible. His grace empowers us to walk in faithfulness.

Let us remember today: we cannot just promise to obey. We must be drawn to Christ, held by His blood, and live daily in a relationship with Him. Only then will His covenant promises truly be written on our hearts. Amen.

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