This Week's Devotional | 2004 Devotionals | 2005 Devotionals

Devotional For the Week 3rd January 2005

A Covenant People
Scripture Text: Genesis 28:10-18

Many of us may begin the year 2005 with mixed feelings – some of us hopeful with the news of an improving economy; others with a sense of loss over the many lives destroyed by the recent killer earthquake and tidal waves in Southeast and South Asia.

It is during such a time that the people of God must remain tenacious and firm in their faith. Wherever we may be in the world – disaster-prone or safe areas, whatever era we may be living in – war or peacetime - we should be consistently reminded of the covenant God has made with us.

Rev Dr Edward Poussan once said that we are all grafted into Israel or Jacob’s transformation covenant, which is to be a blessing to the nations. He mentioned three conditions that would enable such a transformation to take place:

The presence of God transforms. In Genesis 28:10-18, Jacob travelled to a “certain” place – harsh, dark and desolate. Then he encountered God in a dream in v.13. When he awoke from his sleep, he knew God was with him and said, "How awesome is this place!” (v.17) Transformation will never happen until we experience God, even in the most dismal place. Nothing really changes until that divine appointment with God takes place. Let us desire for His presence in our everyday lives.

The purpose of God transforms. God reminded Jacob that the covenant He made with him was the same covenant that was made with Abraham and Issac. God told Jacob in v.14-15: “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” God does not just show up for its own sake. His presence and purpose always go hand in hand together, so that His kingdom purposes may be fulfilled. We ought to be on mission with Him all the time.

The passion of God’s people transforms. Our response to God’s purposes will leave an impact on the community we live in. The passion that stirs within us will cause a chain reaction. In Jacob’s case, he awakened from his sleep (v.16). He announced God’s presence no matter how cold or desolate the place was (v.17). And he anointed the place or stone with oil (v.18-19). The place was blessed.

Reflection

Dearest friends, God wants every “certain” place to be transformed into an “awesome” place regardless of its condition – where our home is, our community, our city, our nation. As a start to the year, may we not be satisfied with lukewarm spirituality. May we be a covenant people who will allow the presence and purpose of God mould and direct our passion for Him. May you take this moment and pray this desire to our Heavenly Father.

---