God spoke a prophesy of hope at one of the worst times in Israel’s history. Their enemies forced them by the threat of death, to leave their homes and walk hundreds of miles into an unknown future. Mothers held their newborns to their chest, wondering what future lay in store for their precious babies. Fathers marched in fear as they carried belongings on their backs, “How would they provide for their family?”
Then God spoke.
He offered them tangible hope through the prophet Jeremiah. This prophesy from God also reminds us of our secure hope when life seems uncertain.
God’s Prophesy of Hope
In Jeremiah 31:31–34, God spoke a prophesy about a time to come when Israelites would no longer need to offer temple sacrifices in faith unceasingly, year after year—but God would “remember their sin no more” (the gospel). Their minds and hearts would know God in a way different than following the rules of the Law. This covenant, this unconditional promise, is known as the New Covenant.
God was in the works to do something much bigger than returning Israel to the Promised Land (which did happen too, 70 years after Babylonian exile). God proclaimed His way forward to redeem ALL the world.
But what did this prophesy actually mean? And how does it help us today?
(read more below)
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2 Scriptures Defining the New Covenant
Matthew 26:27–28
Jesus shared his last meal with his disciples before he offered himself as a final sacrifice for sin. No longer will there need to be the blood of bulls and goats in the temple—because His blood is the blood of the new covenant, the new way God would “remember sin no more.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:27–28
Hebrews 9:14–15
Jesus never sinned (he was “unblemished,” like the animals that used to be offered for the forgiveness of sin in the old covenant made with Moses).
Because Jesus never sinned, faith in Him and his sacrifice cleanses us from our guilt (cleanses our consciences).
Those of us who call on Jesus receive the promised eternal inheritance: life with God now and on the new earth when He returns and makes all things new. We have life— forever!
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
Hebrews 9:14–15
Our Hope When Life Seems Uncertain
The New Covenant in Jesus offers us tangible hope when life seems uncertain—like when my brother-in-law ended his life, or we lost all our belongings to a fraudulent moving company.
No matter what brokenness we encounter, we have a hope because our ultimate future is secure.
YOUR TURN
What uncertainty are you facing in life right now? A relationship? Job? Health? Finances?
Take a moment to pray about whatever is on your heart. God is faithful and trustworthy.
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Take a pause in the email pile to connect with God. Weekly moments encourage you to know God’s Word, walk with God, and live with purpose.
You need this.
