Thursday 13 March 2008

Background

Jeremiah was a man who acted out his prophetic messages. Here wesee Jeremiah in prison because he had been prophesying that thecity would be given over to the hand of the king of Babylon. Thiswas an uncomfortable, unpopular message and it was better forJeremiah to be 'out of sight'. But while in prison God speaks toJeremiah and asks him to buy some land that belongs to his cousin.This does not seem to make much sense - why would you want to buyland knowing that soon the land would be overrun and occupied byanother nation?

However, Jeremiah's cousin duly turns up and Jeremiah buys theland. It was a sign that God will restore the nation of Israel,even though the people have scattered to escape the sword, famineand pestilence brought about by the Babylonians, who were acting asinstruments of God's anger, wrath and indignation at Israel'sdisobedience (v.37).

The second part of today's reading tells us of God's promises andthe new everlasting covenant that will be made with God's people.This is a covenant that reminds the nation of Israel that they needto 'fear' God and not turn away again. In response God will blessthem and build them up as a nation once more.

I must admit to having problems with living in 'fear' of God,although I believe that what the word could mean, is to be 'in aweof'. Perhaps today we are in danger of becoming too 'familiar' withGod and need to hear this call to be in awe and wonder before God'sgrace and promises.

In its yearly Covenant Service the Methodist Church affirms thefact that the initiative is always with God, who promises to "dogood" to all who make the covenant promise themselves.

This covenant was first made with the people of Israel in OldTestament times, calling them to be a holy nation. It was thenrenewed in the New Testament in Jesus Christ, offering freedom inhim, to be united in love and obedience. Responding to this graceof God we pray the Covenant Prayer, offering all that we are to the service ofGod.

To Ponder

We are called to turn to God and to seek God'sways. How are you doing in following that call this week?

Reading again verses 36 to 41, what does the word'fear' mean to you?