January 20, 2003
Feb. 23
___Jeremiah 31:27-34
God still creates 'new days' in lives
___By James Shamburger
___All of us like new things. Whether it is a new tie, a new dress, a new car or a new opportunity. We like new things.
___This week, our lesson is about God's new day. The Psalmist said in Psalm 118:24: "This the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Every day the Lord gives us is a new day with him.
___I like New Year's Day, a new semester, a new church year. These events remind me of the great truth of our Lord--God wants to start every day with his children and show them great and mighty things. He wants to forgive them of the past and start a new day with his people. Jeremiah found a new day with the Lord and we can too.
___Redemption for the nation
___Jeremiah delivered an inspiring address to Israel. It was the encouragement that the people needed. It was about Israel's salvation. It was for the exiles (sinners). Jeremiah made it perfectly clear that God will deliver his people. God tells them through the prophet Jeremiah, "I have heard your prayers, I will be your redemption."
___The remnant of Israel was to possess the land and live in it again. God would rescue them. God was going to bring them out of the land of captivity (30:4-11). Their wounds because of their sins would be healed (30:12-27). The city of Jerusalem would be rebuilt. They would have leaders from their own people, and God would bless their lives (30:18-22). Evil would not escape the wrath of God. The fierceness of his wrath would accomplish God's purpose (30:23-24).
___God's everlasting love found favor in his own people again. They could once again plant crops. They could once again travel to Zion to praise God for his goodness to his people (31:17).
___The people of God would be brought from the north and given back their inheritance. They would be blessed of the Lord and would be grateful for his blessing, and they would rejoice for God's goodness (31:8-14). Mothers who had mourned over their losses would be able to laugh again (31:15-22).
___God was going to restore both Israel and Judah. When God restored them, they would cease to be in want. They would have a new life together (Israel and Judah) (31:23-30). Israel's new life would mean a new covenant. God would make it with them. He would write it on their hearts. God would forgive their sins (31:31-34). God promised to restore their territories (31:35-40).
___Redemption made personal
___The Lord would keep his word: The whole house of Israel would be restored (v. 27); God would sow this field with men and beasts.
___It also was difficult for Israel to accept the responsibility for sin (vv. 28-30). Jeremiah declared every one would die for his own sin (v. 30).
___God gave Israel a new covenant--the covenant between God and Israel was an agreement of a solemn and binding force (Exodus 19:5; 24:7-8, Old Covenant). The new covenant placed an emphasis on individual responsibility, with the law written in the individual heart.
___Jeremiah also explains every person would be able to know God. Verse 34 says there would be a direct access for each person to follow the way of God. From the least to the greatest, each person would be able to know and follow God. No partiality would be shown to one over another.
___What we can do
___In the book of Hebrews (13:8), it tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!" Jeremiah was talking about the same "new day" we can all find through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Just as in Jeremiah's day, there must be an awareness and belief of God's love (John 3:16); there must be an awareness of sin in our lives (Romans 3:23, 6:23 and Jeremiah 31:30); there must be a belief in the provision of God (Messiah-Jesus) (Romans 5:8; Jeremiah 31:33); and there must be a personal response to God's offer of salvation (1 John 1:12 and Jeremiah 31:34).
___Salvation is for everyone. Just as it was in Jeremiah's day, it is a personal experience. It is a personal decision to follow Christ. It is a wonderful blessing that God still seeks after us and is not willing any should perish. Just as in Jeremiah's day, we have the opportunity to come to know Christ for the very first time.
___We also have the wonderful privilege of coming back to the father at any time.
___Isn't it time for a "new day" in your life? Come to Christ! In 1 John 1:9, he says: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." He is there waiting to bring us to a "new day" in our relationship with him!
___Just as Jeremiah encouraged his people to come to their Lord, I want to encourage you to find Christ anew and afresh today! Start a "new day" by confessing your sins and coming home to your loving Lord Jesus Christ!
___Questions for discussion
___ How can we share this good news with all people?
___ How long has it been since you have made a new covenant with Jesus?
___ How can life with Christ be made new again?
Send this story to a friend
News of religion, faith, missions, Bible study and Christian ministry among Texas Baptist churches, in the BGCT, the Southern Baptist Convention ( SBC ) and around the world.
Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!/ Signup for FirstLook |