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“Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see.” We like that hymn for various reasons–it conveys gratitude for God’s grace in changing us from what we were in the past to what we are today, and for what our future holds. Years ago, God told Ezekiel (ch. 34) He would establish a covenant of peace with His people. God was grieved that leaders he appointed had become corrupt, had misled the people, and caused them to go into exile. But God promised that a day would come when He would make a new covenant of peace with them. He would appoint a Shepherd with integrity like David, who would rule in righteousness. God promised to revive both the people and their land to become whole and prosperous. But Ezekiel’s prophecy went beyond this covenant of peace with Israel. He and Jeremiah proclaimed a New Covenant that God would apply to all the seed of Abraham, a covenant instituted by Jesus Christ. Just before dying on the cross, Jesus took a cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.” The God of the universe will now forgive everyone who accepts His Son’s sacrifice as payment for his or her sins.
Mr. Banks, just want you to know that I read your commentaries often as part of my daily devotional time. I like yours because they are packed with interesting tidbits about all kinds of things I didn’t know; or things that I know that you also tie in with a biblical perspective. You are a veritable treasure house of information that people can really use. I appreciate the work you put into bringing it to life. God Bless you.