Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’ Moses took the blood and dashed it on the people, and said, ‘See the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Wednesday, July 6, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
Personally I prefer the “blood of the covenant” that was in the wine at the last supper. Waaaaaay less gross. But it’s instructive to read this passage in Exodus and recognize that Jesus was using this language intentionally. And, like he did with everything else, Jesus turned it on its head. It was no longer about dashing animal blood against an altar and throwing it on the people, but about partaking in wine as a reminder that ultimately Jesus’ blood was shed out of profound love and solidarity with our humanity.
Either way, it is a covenant—a contract or vow between two people. I will do this, you will do this. God will be our God and we will be God’s people. This was true when Moses was splashing blood on people and when Jesus passed the cup at the last supper. It’s still very much in keeping with the theme of these past few devotions, about honoring our whole personhood, and being grateful to God for that personhood.
How do I remember the covenant that God is my God and I am God’s child?