24 July 2021

Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’ Moses took the blood and dashed it on the people, and said, ‘See the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.’

Exodus 24:3-8, NRSV

Moses had laid before the people of Israel all the commands they were to follow as their part in keeping the Covenant between themselves and God. The people finally listened and accepted the laws by which they were to live. They gave their verbal agreement and Moses took the precaution of recording in writing all that had been verbally agreed to. He then set about preparing a communion sacrifice to ratify the covenant as was the custom. Beasts were slaughtered and the meat eaten with some being set aside for the Lord. Moses collected the blood from the animals and cast half on an altar representing God and the other half on the people.  This casting of blood followed the way in which covenants were sealed by ancient tradition and in which blood symbolised life itself. Through this sacrifice, God and the people were joined together in a new life.

• Why do you think Moses used ancient sacrificial traditions in establishing the Covenant?
• What is our covenant with God?

As you go about your daily tasks, try to become aware of how Christ can act through you and allow your words and actions to be guided by this awareness.