“This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Listen to the terms of this covenant and tell them to the people of Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem. 3 Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Cursed is the one who does not obey the terms of this covenant 4 the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.’ I said, ‘Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. 5 Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey’—the land you possess today.” I answered, “Amen, Lord.”” Jeremiah 11:1-5 NIV
Lord of the Covenant,
Jeremiah is weighed down by the message You, God gave him for his sinful people who would suffer because they refused to return to You. Here he gives a more legal argument for returning. Using the Covenant agreement and where God had been faithful but they failed to keep their side.
Sometimes it is good to return to agreements, promises we have made and reaffirm them and check that all is in order. Many churches have recommitment Sunday once a year. Not to check if we are giving enough, attending enough, serving enough. But to see if our heart is good and wholly Yours Lord and holy. And we can return to You to put things right.
But Jeremiah does not have a good response even though he reminds them of the promised You gave and kept while they ignored their side of the covenant. Today we know that a holy life does not mean we will be kept from trouble, pain and suffering. But we are promised Your presence, Your holiness, help and a way through till one day we will reach Heavens promised land.
So today, how is my relationship with You? Have I been taking You for granted. Speaking to You as a friend and forgetting to honour and worship You? It is a good tome to remember the covenant of the cross and once again be overwhelmed with love even amidst my imperfections. It is not about trying harder . . . its a relationship.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 23rd August 2025
Oh lead me
To the place where I can find You
Oh lead me to the place where You’ll be
Lead me to the cross
Where we first met
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk
Let me feel Your breath
Let me know You’re here with me
Repeat the above . . .
Let me feel You near
Lead me to the cross
Where we first met
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk
Let me feel Your breath
Let me know You’re here with me
Lyrics: Martin Smith