“So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name.” – Malachi 2:4-5 

Scripture reading: Romans 5:8-21

Life and peace are qualities we all desire. Are you lacking these in your life? How do we obtain true life and peace as mentioned in our text? Through the One Who enters into a covenant relationship with us by our mediator Jesus Christ. When Malachi mentions Levi, he is not just referring to the man, but to the line of priests that descended from him. The LORD chose the tribe of Levi for the care of the tabernacle and the ministry in the sanctuary.  He placed them in a special covenant relationship with Himself as part of the ceremonial law. The Levitical priesthood pointed forward to Christ in His mediatorial office as the ultimate High Priest making intercession for His people.

There are several ways in which God’s covenant with Levi is described here. The LORD declared that it will stand; it is a covenant of life and peace and a covenant of fear. This Levitical covenant points to the greater covenant of grace we have with Christ, our great High Priest. As a Christian, it is Christ Who gives you life and peace! Outside of Christ, one can never truly know and experience life and peace. The LORD’s covenant is established with us by grace as we have faith in Christ. It also means we fear Him or reverence Him as Levi feared and was in awe of His name. May you know covenantal life and peace as you seek to reverence Him as your God.

Suggestions for prayer

Praise the LORD that He gives us life and peace and restores us through the intercession of our Great High Priest Jesus Christ. Ask the LORD to help you to reverence Christ as your Saviour and Lord.

Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB.