In this week’s sermon text, the author of Hebrews discusses the new covenant inaugurated by Christ, a covenant
marked by the Lord’s mercy (vs. 12) and intimacy with His people (vs. 11). The elements chosen for this morning’s
service reflect these themes as well. The various Old Testament Scriptures that we read in the service look forward to
this new and permanent covenant: “I will make with you an everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 55:3), “He has commanded
His covenant forever” (Psalm 111:9), and “My covenant of peace shall not be removed” (Isaiah 54:10). Though we
confess that we have not kept God’s covenant (Psalm 78:10), we nevertheless declare that this covenant “supports [us]
in the whelming flood” and that “His covenant shall endure” throughout all time (My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less;
O Put Your Trust In God). Because of His faithfulness, we can kneel at the mercy seat (Come Ye Disconsolate) and cry
out “heal me for Your mercy’s sake” (Gently, Gently Lay Your Rod—Psalm 6), assured that we will see new mercies
every morning (Great Is Thy Faithfulness). Because He draws near to us, we can sing along with the author of Hebrews
(vs. 10) that God “wrote His law of righteousness with power upon [our] heart[s].” —Henry C. Haffner
