new covenant – Page 2

Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus Ushers in the New Covenant

Read Hebrews 8:1-13

The Preacher is making a big deal out of the fact Jesus is our High Priest. It truly is an honor to have Jesus ministering to us from his heavenly home. Jesus’ purposes on earth were many, but this is his destiny. We can be thankful Jesus “is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.”

A covenant is a special kind of promise. In the covenant made between God and Israel at Sinai, the people vowed they would be obedient to God’s laws. God knew this old covenant was flawed and needed to be updated. The people had abused God’s promise by turning from him and relying on other gods. Sin is chronic, and the people were stuck in a pattern of disobedience. Yet God remained faithful.

Jeremiah 31:31-40 – New Covenant

Read Jeremiah 31:31-40

How strange this idea of a new covenant must have seemed to Jeremiah and those first hearing this prophecy. The old covenant had been in place for generations, but it had been broken. As it says in Hebrews 8:7, “If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it.”

Jeremiah speaks of the new covenant that will be ushered in by Jesus himself. Reference to a new covenant speaks of a future far beyond the end of the exile. The hope of restoration will not be fully realized until the Messiah comes.

Colossians 2:16-23 – Whose Rules?

Read Colossians 2:16-23

the word RULES in a fancy blue block font with a shiny light effect

Have you ever lamented over all the rules you have to follow? There are best etiquette techniques involving place settings, curfews, and speed limits, to name a few. Then we can look spiritually and never forget the 10 Commandments or the rest of the law God gave Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. While the world’s rules can limit us and direct us, God’s rules empower us for service and loving others.

We’re not to be condemned for living the way God desires. Paul says it plain as day. He also alludes to the fact that Jesus radically changed the rules. For Gentiles not familiar with the ways of the Jews and the rich history of being in relationship with God, this was terrific news. They didn’t have to worry about a lot of ritualistic behaviors. There is freedom in Jesus for everyone!

Jeremiah 11:1-17 – Remember the Covenant

Read Jeremiah 11:1-17

How brilliant! God uses Jeremiah remind the people to remember the covenant. It is clear from their behavior that they have not given much thought to this covenant in some time. Maybe ever! The people have no excuse, the answers to life found in the covenant aren’t hidden from them.

“Cursed is anyone who does not obey the terms of my covenant!” Do they even fear or tremble at the curse? Does being obedient to God “show up on their radar” as something they aspire to be better at doing? If so, then they still have a chance to be saved from doom.

2 Kings 11:13-21 – A New Day

Read 2 Kings 11:13-21

At last, the Queen’s reign concludes! Wasn’t it refreshing to read that “all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was peaceful because Athaliah had been killed at the king’s palace”? It will definitely be a new day in the land of Judah!

The priest Jehoiada was instrumental in bringing the LORD back into focus. It seems the covenants being made were making all things right with the world again. At least in Judah for that moment in time! When we are in alignment with God, things just feel “right.”