“But this is the new covenant that I will make with my people on that day,” says the LORD.
“I will put my instructions deep within them—I will write them on their hearts.
And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” — Jeremiah 31:33
With the crises facing the people of God, the prophet Jeremiah often uses his voice of doom and reform. He’s a gloomy prophet.
He does try to tell the people that even though things are tough, it doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love them. God promises to be with them, no matter what.
Then, Jeremiah reveals a new promise.
He says that God is making a new covenant,
a new promise.
It isn’t written on stone tablets.
It isn’t written on a scroll.
It is written in our heart.
And new means new.
God forgives and forgets all that went before.
“But this is the new covenant that I will make with my people on that day,” says the LORD. “I will put my instructions deep within them—I will write them on their hearts.”
Take a moment to absorb just how amazing this is.
Jeremiah is saying love is expressed in the heartbeat of grace.
Grace upon grace.
Grace upon grace.
Grace upon grace.
Constant as a heartbeat.
Isn’t that beautiful?
Jeremiah speaks of a love that does not let go, even in difficulty. When have you experienced grace that met you right where you were?
Sit quietly and place your hand over your heart. Feel your heartbeat. On a page, create a simple rhythm — dots, lines, or pulses across the paper. With each mark, write or whisper a word: grace… grace… grace… (or choose a word important to you.) Let the pattern become a visual or written prayer. If you wish, add a final line at the centre: Written on my heart.
We have a heart that remembers. This covenant lives not in rules but in relationship. What helps you return to that deep knowing when life feels uncertain?
An unexpected “truth” from a seven-year-old boy back when I was first serving in The United Church of Canada settled for me what Jeremiah says in this verse. I asked the children one morning how we know the difference between right and wrong. Only one hand went up. I really did not want to hear this little boy’s answer. He always got me in trouble during the children’s time in church (Some of you reading this will appreciate what I mean by this comment). Alas, his was the only hand. So I asked him how we know the difference between right and wrong. His reply: “God tells us in our hearts.”
Beautiful story! And yes, I know the trepidation!
Thanks Robert. Love that story!
Feel my heartbeat – I had forgotten how central in my torso is my heart! (Much lower than I thought.)
God – as constant and unending as my heartbeat – and more! His ways/will written on my heart, written on my heart, written on my heart. What a good exercise to remind ourselves with. Listen. Wait. Trust. (then obey)
I’m loving the reflections on each book of our Bible. Thank you, Janice.