A NEW COVENANT
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 31
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
First century family life is depicted by the actors in Nazareth Village as they attempt to recreate life as it was in ancient times. Today’s reading contains the statement, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel.” Jesus lived here in Nazareth from His childhood until He was 30 years old.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Jeremiah 31:31, 33
Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Jeremiah 31 was written as an encouragement to God’s people who had been forcibly removed from Jerusalem and relocated in Babylon. The prophet reminds them of God’s promise to their father, Abraham, that in his seed all families would be blessed. Statements such as, “I have loved you with an everlasting love,” and “Again I will build you,” may have been the inspiration for Daniel’s prayer offered through his open window in Babylon, three times every day (Daniel 6:10-11).
Jeremiah 31:15-17 is a prophecy fulfilled in Bethlehem (Ramah) when Herod’s soldiers killed the babies two years old and under (Matthew 2:16-23).
One cannot miss the word “covenant” repeated four times in today’s reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34). A “covenant” is the most binding agreement that can be made between two parties. These words constitute a legal document registered in God’s unchanging Word for time and eternity. This New Covenant (or “Testament” as in Last Will and Testament) was executed by God, Himself, and sealed with the Blood of the eternal Sacrifice of the Messiah as He died on the Cross (Hebrews 7:22 – 8:13). How wonderful it is that this New Covenant is written on our hearts, not just on tablets of stone!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God of Jeremiah and Daniel, I ask that I will gain a new understanding of the New Covenant written on my heart, and may I learn to pray powerful pivotal prayers for the fulfillment of Your Word as did Daniel. “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth” (Psalm 86:11a). I pray this in the Name of the One who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6a). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
John G. Lake, an influential Christian leader in the early 20th century, observed, “There is a mighty lot of difference between saying prayers and praying.” Whether one is a brand new believer in Jesus or a seasoned follower of His, when life’s storms hit us hard, we need God’s help. Take some extra time in prayer right now for that need that’s heavy on your heart…or perhaps it’s for a loved one.
Yours for knowing God hears and answers prayer,
David
The former president of Iraq (ancient Babylon), Saddam Hussein, was in the process of rebuilding the city of Babylon when the allied armies led by the U.S.A. invaded, occupied, and stopped the restoration project. This part of the wall is known as “The Ishtar Gate.”
Lord God, I am asking for prayers of peace and protection for the citizens and individuals negatively affected by noise, abuse, harassment, racial intimidation, and whose businesses are suffering due to the truckers protesting in Ottawa. Lord God, help everyone feel safe and for calm to be restored to the city and throughout Canada. Thank You God as we are reminded that You are in control. We seek hope that this virus will be better managed and soon become a weaker and less damaging thing of the past. We have nothing to fear Lord God. We thank You for being the rock to which we cling for strength. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 ESV
Vinesong – Peace Like a River with lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF6n49nKrXA
Father, thank You for being the One eternal Truth we can build our lives on. You were true in Adam’s day, in Jeremiah’s day, in Paul’s day, and You are true today. Help us fix our eyes on You, Lord, knowing that You see and know all.
I also pray for the day when You, Lord Jesus, will tule in righteousness and truth.
Thank You, Father, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Thank you for your comments dear Beverlee. I am in agreement with yours prayers.
“Lord let their be peace on Earth and let it begin with me” amen.
Eleanor M.
Amen Rob.
Amen to your prayers, Beverlee and Rob.
God is in control and He will see us through these tough days.
Amen
Lord my heart goes out to all of the truckers in Ottawa.
This has been a very peaceful movement they are taking for the freedom of all Canadians.
Bless them and protect and provide for each of them.
May the Government officials and our Prime Minister take time to meet with these wonderful people.
I am afraid the main line media are painting a much different picture of this whole peaceful truckers convoy.
Father God, in Jesus Name, bring a calmness into the cities. where there is unrest and noise. The constant honking of truck horns is very difficult for residents in the area. I pray for Jessica who was transferred to a downtown Toronto hospital Very difficult for family to get through to the hospital and this young lady is very ill. Please help all who are affected by this demonstration and bring it to a satisfactory end. Please minister to Jessica. in Jesus Name. Amen
Amen to the prayers for the truckers. The Lord sees and knows all and I pray he is there with each and everyone that is part of the convoy trying to return freedom to our country. I watched today as a pastor attended and prayed with the participants and their families and then stood and prayed for the police officers that were attending overseeing the removal of all the fuel for vehicles and propane being used for heat and cooking. I can sympathize with the effect of the noise but it may be a small price to pay for freedom and I’m sure it is the highlight of many children to hear the blast of an airhorn or to see the big tractors
I pray for peace and understanding for all the residents that are being inconvenienced by this effort in Ottawa, Coutts Alberta, Toronto, Winnipeg and other areas of this country.
Blessings for all bloggers