A Word from Jeremiah 31

If you’ve been active in the life of our church family recently, you know that we’ve been sharing a spiritual emphasis called “Practicing the Way.” We’ve been studying how we can be with Jesus, so that we can be like Jesus and can become the kind of people who live like he lived. And that’s a good thing! And I’ve been praying that God will use these lessons to help take a few steps in the direction of Christlikeness.

And yet, it won’t be long before this emphasis will end. And we’ll move on to other emphases—and other studies and lessons. And sometimes, I find myself wondering: Are we making any progress? And when does all the studying stop and the life of living fully as God’s people begin?

But that’s why I’m so grateful for reminders like the one that’s found in today’s word from Jeremiah 31. Because the prophet also wondered if and when God’s people would finally “bring to completion” everything that God had invested in them. And this is what the Lord told him:

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant

     with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah…

I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.

     I will be their God, and they will be my people.

No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’

     because they will all know me,  from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (31:31, 33-34)

Now, it’s important to note that this new covenant is the result of God’s grace – and not the result of our studying and striving. And yet, I like to think that our humble efforts get our hearts ready for God to act. And I’m glad to know that, someday, all the studying will lead us rejoicing into the full knowledge of His loving presence.

So, let’s keep on “practicing the Way.” Because—with God’s help—practice makes perfect. Amen.