Lent 30 - The New Covenant

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Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Israelite people were very familiar with the idea of a covenant. God had entered into covenants with the Israelites through many people including Moses, Noah, Abraham, Adam and more. 

In the past, the Israelites had to obey their side of the covenant agreement by obeying God's laws. If they broke their side of the agreement, they would have to pay for their sins in the form of a sacrifice of some kind.

The prophet Jeremiah claimed that soon God would be making a new covenant with the people of Israel. When this new covenant is made, the law would be in their minds and written on their hearts.

This new covenant that Jeremiah speaks about was inaugurated by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This new covenant was not about merely obeying God's laws, it gave God's people access to a personal relationship with God.

This new covenant was so expansive and inclusive that "all will know God, from the least to the greatest."

Unfortunately, God's people still turn away from God and do not honour their relationship with Jesus, but they do not have to make sacrifices as they used to when they broke the old covenant because Jesus has already voluntarily made the greatest sacrifice on behalf of all of humanity.

This is the good news of the gospel - that because of Jesus' sacrifice, God "will forgive our wickedness and will remember our sins no more."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You willingly journeyed to the cross and died so that we do not have to suffer the consequences of sin and death. Thank You for entering into a covenant with us so that we may experience a life-giving relationship with You today. I love You and I offer my life for Your service. Amen.

Image Source: Scott Graham

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