Having agreed to make a firm covenant in writing (9.38), chapter ten begins with a list of 84 leaders (yes, I counted) that put their names to it (vv.1-27). This is great for the people: leaders who are willing to go on record and put their name to something, to be held accountable before the Lord and the people. But, as we see in vv.28-29, the covenant was not just cut between the Lord and the leaders. It was between the Lord and all who have separated themselves…all who have knowledge and understanding.
The covenant is, simply, to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and his rules and statutes (v.29).
There are then three notable points mentioned, and I would suggest that the third is the easiest to apply for you and me today. First, in v.30, the people covenant to honour the Lord in their relationships. Then, in v.31, they covenant to honour the Lord in their business practices. Finally, in vv.32-39, the people covenant not to neglect the house of our God. So, how can we do this today?
Well, as the people do, we can obligate ourselves to bring the firstfruits…to the house of the Lord (v.35).
Simply, we can give our best to God.
The best of our financial income, the best of our talents, the best of our time, the best of ourselves. We give to God first, and we give to God our best. We don’t give Him what’s left at the end of the day, week, month, or year, we give Him the choice parts, the firstfruits.
If we are genuinely submitting and committing to walk in God’s Law, we ought to be genuinely concerned for the house of God, for His body the church. So, within your own local body of believers, who needs your help? Who needs your time and talents? Are you contributing financially to the mission and objectives of the church? Who can you come alongside? Simply, how can you show your concern for the body, the church family, the house of the Lord?
James Travis 