2 Chronicles 15:12

COVENANT GOD—COVENANT PEOPLE

‘And (Oded) said, … The Lord is with you.… They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God.’

2 Chronicles 15:2; 2 Chronicles 15:12

I would be an encourager, like Azariah the son of Oded.

I. Encouragement from God.—It argues a bright, buoyant, hopeful spirit. And why should my spirit be anything but cheerful and strong? There are so many allies on the side of the child of God. They that be with us are more than they that be with them. It accomplishes far more than the sad and despondent heart. Sometimes the saint does walk in the shadows; clouds and darkness are round about him. But his energy is greatest, his influence is widest, his courage affects and kindles and heartens many around himself when the sorrow and the sighing have flown away. And it brings me into union and fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

II. Covenanting with God.—All Judah rejoiced at the oath which bound the nation in fealty to the King of kings. I read in history of similar covenants in which an entire country, north and south and east and west, pledged itself to fidelity and consecration to the Lord Jesus Christ. But let me remind myself that the covenant should be a personal one too, and should express my individual obedience. It ought to succeed conversion, this definite vow and promise that no other master but the heavenly Master shall have rule over me. And it binds my Lord to me by ties which are peculiarly tender and strong. When I utter my sacramentum, He empowers me to keep it.