October 17 — "Better Covenant—Better Life"

Today's Reading: Hebrews 8

A “covenant” is no casual handshake—it’s God’s way of binding Himself to His people with a sacred, unbreakable promise. In Scripture, covenants are the backbone of God’s relationship with humanity, revealing His heart, His holiness, and His relentless pursuit of us.

The Old Covenant—aka the Old Testament—was glorious. Think Mount Sinai trembling with thunder, lightning flashing, the Tabernacle thick with God’s presence, and priests robed in splendor stepping into the Holy Place as incense curled upward like prayers. Every law, feast, and sacrifice was a brushstroke in a masterpiece, painting the holiness of a God who longed to dwell with His people.

It was good. It taught Israel how to worship and live set apart. The deal? Obey God’s law, and enjoy His blessing and fellowship. But as dazzling as it was, it couldn’t empower obedience. It pointed to what was right—but not how to live it. The Old Covenant was a sketch waiting for color, a melody missing lyrics, an engagement ring sparkling with promise but awaiting the wedding day.

Then came Jesus. Hebrews 8:6 describes Him as the Mediator of a “better” covenant, built on better promises. The Old said, “Do this and live.” The New says, “Believe and live.” The Old said, “Earn it.” The New says, “Receive it.” The Old said, “Sacrifice again and again.”  The New says, “It is finished.” The Old said, “Know the Law.” The New says, “Know the Lord.”  Through Jesus, God offers salvation, forgiveness, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life to those who simply trust in Him. The New Covenant is better because it replaces law with grace, rituals with relationship, and temporary coverings with eternal forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

The Old was good and served its purpose. But the glory of the Old fades in the brilliance of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:10–11). And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to live under guilt or striving. The Old Covenant revealed our need; the New Covenant meets it in Jesus. Don’t settle for shadows when you’ve got the substance. Don’t cling to sketches when you can know the Artist Himself.

May the Lord open your eyes to the beauty of His covenants—both the foreshadowing glory of the Old and the surpassing splendor of the New. Walk boldly in the better promises of Jesus, resting in His finished work and rejoicing that His presence now dwells not in a tent... but in your very heart.