A covenant is a relationship grounded in promises and confirmed by a sign. For example, a marriage covenant is a relationship grounded in wedding vows and confirmed by rings. God's covenant of grace is a relationship grounded in his promise to be our God and the God of our offspring. Before Jesus came, the covenant sign was circumcision. After Jesus suffered and bled for our salvation, God gave a new covenant sign without pain or blood: baptism. In baptism  God promises to be our God, marks believers and our children as his people, and calls us to trust and obey him.

     A relationship with God is personal but not merely private. God does not just deal with individuals one at a time. God's covenant embraces believers, their families, and future generations. "He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands" (Deut. 7:9).

     If parents depend on their own skill to raise children, they have little reason for confidence. But if parents trust God's promises and guide their children in his covenant, they can be confident of God's blessing on their family line. What God said of Abraham, he says of each believer: "I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about .. what he has promised him" (Genesis 18:19).

PRAYER--Covenant God, thank you for being a personal Savior and for embracing families and future generations. Help us trust your promises and obey your commands. Amen.