Living above reproach
Mark 14:53-56
53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council[f] were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree.
Everything has gone wrong. Jesus is in court before the religious elite, the disciples have scattered (except for Peter who waits outside). But the high priest and his crew have one major problem, they have no evidence. They don’t have recordings of Jesus’ speeches, or security footage of him committing a crime. They desperately need eye witness testimony to give them a reason to convict Jesus, but they can’t find anyone to make an accusation.
That is crazy, if you really think about it. They can’t find one person that Jesus hurt, or that saw Him do something wrong?
If it was anyone reading this (or in my case writing this), the same couldn’t be said of us. They could find someone to testify that we did something wrong, AT LEAST a sin we’ve committed if not something against the law in our country (speeding anyone?)
But they can’t find ANYONE to testify against Jesus. Of course you and I know that’s because Jesus never did anything sinful or against God’s Law or even Roman Law. But at the same time, we are called to do our best to emulate and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This is what it means to live in a way that is “above reproach”. Even should we be accused of something, or someone is out to get us, they can’t find anyone to testify against us honestly. Though we will never be perfected this side of Heaven, and we will continue to battle with sin, it should still be our goal to live in a way that is “above reproach”.
That doesn’t mean we get better at hiding our sin or acting right in public. It means we hold ourselves accountable to God for how we act in all moments. Alone, with our spouse, kids, friends, at home, at work. It is at times an uncomfortable truth, but that is one part of Jesus’ call on our lives, so we must strive to do our best to follow our King’s example.
The New Covenant
The New Covenant
Luke 22:20
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
We now live under a new covenant established and completed by Jesus. This new covenant is ratified through the cross and tomb through the blood of Jesus. The New Covenant is the promise that God will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant, and His death on the cross is the basis of the promise.
Hebrews 7:22 calls this New Covenant a better covenant and it is guaranteed by Jesus. In this covenant it is forever clear that salvation does not rest on the work of man but solely on the work of the God-Man, Jesus Christ. The new covenant offers freedom from the tyranny of sin and inclusion into the family of God.
Our responsibility is to exercise faith in Christ, the One who fulfilled the Law on our behalf and brought an end to the Law’s sacrifices through His own sacrificial death. Through the life-giving Holy Spirit who lives in all believers (Romans 8:9–11), we share in the inheritance of Christ and enjoy a permanent, unbroken relationship with God (Hebrews 9:15).
What does this reveal about God?
God provides what He requires—righteousness through Jesus.
God desires not just obedience, but restored relationship.
God keeps every promise by fulfilling them in Jesus Christ.
Where the old covenants revealed our need, the New Covenant meets our need.
Where the law exposed sin, Jesus paid for sin.
Where sacrifices were repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all.
This means we don’t strive to earn God’s favor—we live from it. We don’t relate to God through fear of failure, but through confidence in Christ.
(Much help provided by gotquestions.org/new-covenant)
Davidic Covenant
God’s Covenant with David
2 Samuel 7:12-16
12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.
God’s covenant to David is interesting because David will never see it. “Your kingdom shall never end” means your dynasty will lead to a kingdom that shall never pass. As New Testament readers, we have come to understand that God is revealing to David that the Messiah King (Jesus) will come through his lineage. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord of all. Psalm 2 reveals that all nations will be a footstool to this great king.
In the Davidic covenant, much like the previous covenants, God is showing His supreme knowledge and control of the future. Nothing will stop God from completing what He has promised.
Which leads me to something I want us all to remember from each covenant: Each person given a covenant will quickly falter in following God’s way. Noah will impregnate his daughters. Abraham will try to create his own heir. The people addressed in Moses’ covenant will distrust God and be left in the wilderness to die. Moses in fact will seek by his own power to provide water at Meribah and be denied entry into the promised land. Finally, a few chapters later, David will become an adulterer and plot a murder.
Yet, God did not revoke His covenant. God remained true to uphold His end of the deal even when His partners in the contract did not. God is merciful when we are unfaithful. God does not flood, or abandon, or smite a nation, or deny the king even after grotesque sins. This is our God. The one who promises and fulfills!
What does this reveal about God?
God keeps His promises across generations.
God is in control of history and the future.
God’s plans are not derailed by human failure.
God’s ultimate plan points to a perfect, eternal King.
Why does this matter for us today?
The promise to David finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the true and better King. Earthly leaders fail, but Jesus reigns perfectly, eternally, and unshakably. Our hope is not in human leadership, but in Christ alone.
Mosaic Covenant
Exodus 19:3-6
3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
The Mosaic Covenant establishes Israel as God’s treasured possession. While we often say Israel is “God’s chosen people,” we need to understand why they were chosen. God’s love is not limited—He desires all people to know Him. Israel was chosen for a purpose, not favoritism.
God says they will be a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation.” In other words, Israel was meant to be a living example to the world of what it looks like to belong to God. Their obedience, worship, and way of life were meant to point the nations back to Him.
Notice how this covenant begins—not with rules, but with rescue:
“You yourselves have seen what I did… how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
Before God gives commands, He reminds them of His grace. He saved them from Egypt. He carried them. He brought them into relationship. Grace always comes before obedience.
Then comes the calling:
“If you will obey my voice and keep my covenant…”
The Mosaic Covenant includes laws and commands, not as a way to earn God’s love, but as a way to live in response to it. Obedience is how Israel would reflect God’s character to the world.
And yet, like every covenant we’ve seen, the people fail. They grumble, rebel, and turn to idols—even after witnessing God’s power firsthand.
But God does not abandon them.
He remains faithful even when they are not.
What does this reveal about God?
God rescues before He commands.
God gives purpose to His people.
God desires to be known through His people.
God remains faithful even when we fail.
Faith that Works Day 10
James 5:7-20
Pray About It!
7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
What did you think, feel, or see as you read?
Sporadic Thoughts:
Be Patient — This is really hard for me!
Do not Grumble — Quit whining and complaining!
Be Honest — Yes be yes and no be no! Be trustworthy!
Pray More — About sickness, help, hope. Pray for yourself and pray for others!
Confess Your Sins — To God and others. Don’t overlook this!
Prayer works! — Really, it does! God hears and cares and acts!
Life is not just about you — Live for the sake of others. Be a blessing and benefit in the lives of others!
Pick one of these or something that stood out to you today to focus on.