Assignment: Book used 

• Jonathan Lunde, Following Jesus, the Servant King: A Biblical Theology of Covenantal Discipleship. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010 (ISBN-13: 978-0310286165)

This topic requires you to reflect on the significance of covenant by thinking about the marriage covenant (which may be the closest modern analogy — though all analogies do break down — to the kind of solemn partnership the biblical covenants reflect). Imagine the ideal marriage relationship. What kind of “grace” is involved? What kind of “demand” is involved? How do you think the two concepts of grace and demand relate in a marriage? Then read Hosea 1-3 in the Old Testament and comment on how Hosea depicts Israel’s broken covenant with God in terms of a failed marriage.

Instructions:

Write a personal reflection of approximately 750 words (Times New Roman 12 font) in which you:

1. Explain what a covenant is, according to the Bible. Draw upon what you’ve learned from the Lunde reading and Bible Project video, but put your definition into your own words.
2. Describe the role of “grace” and “demand” in the framework of a covenant.  Discuss how the two concepts relate.
3. Identify components of the analogy of the marriage covenant Hosea develops in Hosea chapters 1-3. How does the portrait of a marriage covenant contribute to our understanding of God’s relationship to humanity?

Be sure to include chapter-and-verse references when referring to passages from the Bible.  

Video: