Themes Of The Old Testament

Names –

The name Elohim means creator God because God is a creator. The name Yahweh means Relationship with God. In the bible God gave and changed names based on their meaning. If someone did something drastic God might change their name to something relevant to what they did. Names could show a person’s character based on the meaning of their name. Or might show what their heart was like. I chose a name tag for my symbol because it fits with names and what they symbolize. Still today people chose names based on family member, meaning or if they just like a name.

 

 

Call –

God calls us (his people) to do things that we might have not done on our own. I know of a few people who were called by God to be missionaries or help out at a local church. A family I know, were called by God to go to Oklahoma. It was tough for them and on our family but we got through it with God’s help. God called Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to a different land and promise that they will become a great nation. God stills calls today. We should listen to his voice, read the bible, pray, and trust him.

Covenant-

A Covenant is a deal or promise. There are two kinds of covenants. Conditional and Unconditional. A Conditional covenant is when there are two ends of the deal. A Conditional covenant is if I do this, Then God will do this for me. An Unconditional covenant is where one side has to do something and the other one doesn’t. God makes both types of covenants. He might make one to lots of people or only one person. When you obey the covenant, you will be blessed. If you disobey you will be punished. God never breaks his promises. My symbol is a Signature. I choose it because it reminds me of agreeing or committing to something. 

Slavery and Salvation- 

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Yet he helps his family to survive the famine. Moses was born into slavery. He was saved by the Pharaoh’s daughter and eventually helped his people out of slavery. Sometimes people intend harm on others but God uses it for good. My example is the book and movie, “Heaven is for real.” A boy gets really sick and he might die. But God uses it for good and he gives the little boy a crazy experience of seeing God. I learned that God has a plan for us even when we don’t think he does.

 

Symbol of a lamp-

God promised to the people of Israel that through David, the lamp would never go out or die. David was a man after God’s own heart even though he still made many mistakes. This is important because David’s line leads to Jesus. My symbol was our fireplace. We have two gas fireplaces that never go out. This relates because if the lamp were to go out in Israel’s time that was a big deal because they were very hard to relight.

Something is rotten- 

Israel had one bad king after another. God sent Elijah so he could talk to the people. Elijah and prophets of Baal had a contest to see who is better. God or Baal. Elijah asked the people, “ For how long will you waver between two Gods”. God may put you into culture to make a difference. But people may not change after seeing your light. My symbol is Bananas. This may sound funny but if you just let bananas sit, they will become rotten. Then you have to throw them out. This is a good symbol because you have to get rid of the bananas like what God did with the kings.

A Savior- 

The people of Israel could not keep the covenant of Sinai. So God offered another covenant to them. It would be written on their hearts. The new covenant did not require them to make animal sacrifices. The reason why God made the covenant without the animal sacrifices is because Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. The covenant was based on God’s grace and forgiveness. Isaiah gave many pictures of the new savior Jesus. My picture is a picture of communion because it reminds us that Jesus died for us and he sacrificed himself to save us. 

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