February 10, 2020

Covenant of the Heart

Christine and John Valters Paintner | Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20

(Image: Pixabay)

This passage from the Hebrew scriptures comes toward the end of the book of Deuteronomy and is part of a section known as the Final Words of Moses. Here, the author is making closing arguments as to why future generations should agree to the covenant offered by Yahweh. The author reminds the people of the great works of God, particularly how God freed them from captivity in Egypt and led them back to the land of their ancestors.

If for no other reason, the rationale goes, your freedom and life warrant that you live according to the covenant—a sign of gratitude for all Yahweh has done for you. But God does more than free individuals; God forms our spiritual ancestors into a community. The fates of these recently freed Israelites and their descendants rely on two things at the heart of the covenant: They must be faithful to Yahweh, and they must act with justice toward one another. By doing the latter they demonstrate the former.

This passage seems to be a dire pronouncement of punishment for those who stray. But there is more to this warning. God frees the Israelites from captivity, a great act of love for the people. In return, the Israelites and their descendants (both biological and spiritual) are asked to return God’s love and to pay it forward by loving one another. They act out this love through observance of the commandments. How we treat one another is a sign of our love for God.

Holy One, give me a heart of gratitude for the overflow of blessings in my life. Help me remember especially those whose freedom is threatened and those who have died fighting for that gift. May I be renewed this day to share these blessings with others. Amen.

Pray the Scriptures Using Audio Lectio
Read Matthew 5:21-37

Matthew 5:21-37

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago, Don’t commit murder, and all who commit murder will be in danger of judgment. ²² But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell. ²³ Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift. ²⁵ Be sure to make friends quickly with your opponents while you are with them on the way to court. Otherwise, they will haul you before the judge, the judge will turn you over to the officer of the court, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶ I say to you in all seriousness that you won’t get out of there until you’ve paid the very last penny. ²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, Don’t commit adultery. ²⁸ But I say to you that every man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart. ²⁹ And if your right eye causes you to fall into sin, tear it out and throw it away. It’s better that you lose a part of your body than that your whole body be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to fall into sin, chop it off and throw it away. It’s better that you lose a part of your body than that your whole body go into hell. ³¹ “It was said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a divorce certificate.’ ³² But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife except for sexual unfaithfulness forces her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ³³ “Again you have heard that it was said to those who lived long ago: Don’t make a false solemn pledge, but you should follow through on what you have pledged to the Lord. ³⁴ But I say to you that you must not pledge at all. You must not pledge by heaven, because it’s God’s throne. ³⁵ You must not pledge by the earth, because it’s God’s footstool. You must not pledge by Jerusalem, because it’s the city of the great king. ³⁶ And you must not pledge by your head, because you can’t turn one hair white or black. ³⁷ Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no. Anything more than this comes from the evil one.

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Lectionary Week

February 10–16, 2020

Scripture Overview

This week we continue to explore the importance of Christian morality. We do not earn God’s grace by our actions; rather, our obedience is a response to God’s grace. In Deuteronomy, we read that the choice of life will bring prosperity and is the proper response from a heart of gratitude. The psalmist echoes this sentiment, for blessed are those who follow the Lord not just with words but also with actions. The Corinthians have not understood this so they continue to act like those in the world around them, living by the flesh instead of by the Spirit. Jesus pushes us even further. God sees not only what we do on the outside but who we are on the inside. A true life of obedience begins on the inside and flows outward.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Deuteronomy 30:15-20. When have you experienced the choice God sets before us of life or death, prosperity or adversity, blessings or curses? How have you discerned how to obey God?
Read Psalm 119:1-8. How does following God’s commandments bring you joy?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. Consider the forms of love Paul and Saint Valentine display in their letters. What types of love help you serve God, who gives growth?
Read Matthew 5:21-37. When have you experienced legalistic interpretations of scripture? How do you get to the heart of scripture?

Respond by posting a prayer.

I join many of those who will pray for you as you seek to discern what you are called to be at this moment. May God grant you the courage to fulfill that calling. May we all open our eyes and see the misery, open our ears and hear the cries of God’s people, and, like God through the Lord Jesus Christ, be incarnate amongst them.”

View a growing list of resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.

—Rev. Sidwell Mokgothu, Limpopo Synod Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and board member for Africa Upper Room Ministries

Covenant of the Heart

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Covenant of the Heart

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Matthew 5:21-37

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