THE POWER OF COVENANTS: LESSONS FROM THE PAST

The Bible is not merely a history book, yet it contains history that teaches us divine principles. One of the most profound lessons from Scripture is the power of covenants—agreements that shape destinies, influence generations, and determine spiritual and physical outcomes.

Covenants are God’s design for salvation and preservation. They can either bring blessings or invoke consequences when broken. As believers, understanding the force of covenants is crucial to navigating both spiritual and earthly realities.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF A BROKEN COVENANT (2 Samuel 21:1-7).

During King David’s reign, Israel suffered three consecutive years of famine. Seeking divine insight, David inquired of the Lord, who revealed that the famine was the result of Saul’s violation of a covenant.

Saul, in misguided zeal, had sought to exterminate the Gibeonites—people whom Israel had sworn to protect in Joshua’s time (Joshua 9). Though Saul was long dead, his covenant-breaking act had brought suffering upon the entire nation, and restitution was required.

When David sought to make things right, the Gibeonites did not demand silver, gold, or random vengeance. Instead, they requested seven male descendants of Saul to be executed. Justice had to be served. However, one man was spared—Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. The reason? A stronger covenant.

THE CLASH OF TWO COVENANTS

Why was Mephibosheth spared when he was seemingly the most qualified to be handed over? The answer lies in the power of a superior covenant:

• Mephibosheth was Saul’s grandson, yet he was covered by a stronger agreement—the covenant between Jonathan (his father) and David.
• This covenant had legally placed Mephibosheth under David’s protection (1 Samuel 20:14-17).
• To hand him over to death would have been a direct violation of this solemn and binding oath.

This teaches us a crucial principle: A stronger covenant can override the consequences of another covenant. Mephibosheth’s life was spared, not by personal merit, but by the strength of the covenant between his father and David.

THE NEW COVENANT: GOD’S ADOPTION PLAN

This principle extends beyond Mephibosheth to all believers in Christ. Just as David could not forsake Mephibosheth, God cannot forsake those who are in covenant with Him through Christ.

Scriptural Foundations of Our Adoption

• “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, by His pleasure and will.” (Ephesians 1:5)
• “To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (Galatians 4:5)
• “You have not received a spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15).

In Christ, we have been adopted into God’s family. Just as Mephibosheth found refuge in David’s covenant, believers found refuge in the New Covenant sealed in Christ’s blood (Hebrews 8:6).

THE POWER OF DIVINE COVENANT: WHAT IT MEANS FOR US

1. Covenant Secures Protection

Mephibosheth’s life was spared because of the covenant. Likewise, those in Christ are covered by divine protection:

• “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
• "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10).

2. Covenant Establishes Identity and Rights

Mephibosheth was treated as one of David’s sons because of the covenant. Likewise, believers in Christ are sons and daughters of God with full access to His provision:

• "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12).
• "And since we are His children, we are His heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:17).

3. Covenant Overrules Judgment

Just as the covenant between David and Jonathan overruled the judgment on Saul’s lineage, the covenant between God and Christ overrules the judgment on those who believe in Him.

• “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1).
• "He was pierced for our transgressions... the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him." (Isaiah 53:5).

BELIEVERS AND AUTHORITY OVER DEATH

1. Death Has No Dominion Over Believers

Through Christ, death no longer has power over us:

• “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14)
• "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21).

2. Life and Death Are in God’s Hands

Believers are not controlled by fear of death, yet our lifespan remains in God’s sovereign will:

• "My times are in Your hands." (Psalm 31:15)
• "With long life I will satisfy him." (Psalm 91:16)

3. Jesus Holds the Keys to Death

• “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18).

This means no child of God can die outside of God’s appointed time. Death is now a transition into glory, not a defeat.

FEAR NOT: YOUR LIFE IS SECURED IN COVENANT!

Many fear death as a mysterious and uncontrollable force. However, God’s covenant guarantees that no believer can leave this earth before their time.

• "The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." (Psalm 34:19)
• "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17).

Death does not control us. We are in Christ, and He alone determines when we transition into eternity.

FINAL DECLARATION OF FAITH

• I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for my sins.
• I receive Him as my Lord and Savior.
• I am redeemed, forgiven, and justified by faith in His blood.
• I am a new creation, adopted into the family of God.
• I am a child of the Most High.
• The Spirit of God lives in me.
• Greater is He who is in me than the enemy in the world.
• God is my keeper.
• I shall live and fulfill my God-ordained purpose.
• When my time comes, I will transition to glory in His perfect will.
• Until then, I am untouchable! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

CELEBRATE YOUR COVENANT IN CHRIST!

In conclusion, the power of covenants cannot be underestimated. God enforces them, honours them, and never breaks them. Those in Christ are covered by the strongest covenant in existence—the New Covenant sealed in His blood.

If God spared Mephibosheth because of a human covenant, how much more will He protect and preserve those who belong to His Son?

Rejoice, for you are a child of the covenant!