The Covenant of peace: “For this is like the waters of Noah

to Me; For as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the LORD, who has mercy on you (Isaiah 54:9, 10).  In a real sense,  the whole Bible is about God unveiling and putting into action, His plan for the restoration of that was lost at the fall (Genesis 3; Acts 3:21). And it's like the waters of Noah in three respects, judgement on ungodliness (the flood), cleansing (washing away what is ungodly), and the restoration and preservation of the godly line represented by Noah.

We see a pattern repeated throughout Scripture, wickedness increasing, the preaching of righteousness, judgement (be it by direct intervention of God, or by reaping what we sow – Galatians 6:7),  repentance,  crying out to God. This is followed by God hearing and declaring His covenant. The cycle then starts over with the falling away.   This cycle illustrated well in Psalm 107. When Jesus came, He came preaching “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). In saying “it is at hand,” He is saying it's here in it's mustard seed form as yeast (Luke 13:19; 13:21). But i't not yet here in its fullness. Returning  to this morning's verse, it looks forward to the end of all things when the mountains will be removed, and this cycle is longer be repeated. At that time there will be no longer need for His anger or rebuke, as everlasting righteousness and the fullness of the covenant of peace will be ushered in (Daniel 9:24; 54:10).

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders because they did not “discern the times” (Luke 12:56). And the fact of the matter is “now is the accepted time;  now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). And what are we to discern? Is the world going to hell in a hand basket, is our land in need of healing? I am hearing “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to their prayer (2 Chronicles 7:14). And “I will have mercy on you” (54:8).  

Lord Jesus, You are the prince of peace, and at the announcement to Mary the angel declared peace and goodwill to all (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:14). In fact the covenant of peace,  initiated in Noah,  finds it's fullness and completion in the New Covenant in Your blood (Matthew 26:28). But You did not save us Lord,  just so that we could go to heaven when we die, You saved us to be co labourers with You in the brining in of the Kingdom. Forgive us Lord that we have largely abdicated this role, and it is one of the reasons the World is in such a mess. Use this mess Lord to continue to wake us up,  to humble us to lead us to  pray, to seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways. Forgive and show us our part in bring in the Kingdom,  in Your precious Name Amen