March 20, 2012

March 20: Filled with the knowledge of God

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By Beth Yoder, a senior interdisciplinary major from Bellefontaine, Ohio
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete Scripture.
DEVOTIONAL:

In this passage in Jeremiah, God says that soon he will create a new covenant with Israel and Judah. The new covenant will not be like the old covenant, which was created when God chose the Israelites as his people and led them out of Egypt. The new covenant will be completely a part of the Israelites. It will be in their minds and hearts, and all the people will know about it.

Isn’t it amazing to imagine a world where everyone is filled with the knowledge of God? Everyone will know about the covenant, from the youngest child to the most wrinkled elder.

This week’s theme, “We wish to see Jesus,” foretells of the new covenant that Jesus will seal. When the law is in our minds and our hearts, we will be filled with God, and then we will be able to see Jesus. We’ll no longer need to teach one another how to live, because God will have filled each of us with that knowledge. We’ll no longer be like little children, who must be taught right from wrong, because we will already be filled with the knowledge and goodness that comes from seeing Jesus.

SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NRSV)
31 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

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Comments (6)

  1. I love this devotional! It reminds me of how, as a child, I looked up to spiritual leaders so much that I felt inferior to them in faith. I felt that they had all the answers that I lacked. When I came across this Bible passage some years ago, I realized that I didn’t need to feel inferior to my faith heroes, because God was working in me, too. Thank you for sharing this passage and bringing these thoughts to mind again.

    Elizabeth S.O. March 20, 2012 |

  2. You have hit this right on the head, Beth. Thanks for the uplifting reminder of the incredible covenant sealed in Jesus!

    Leanna Teodosio March 20, 2012 |

  3. is it the assumption of these devotions that one already knows jesus as their savior?if i did not already know that i am saved through faith in jesus, would i have learned that if this were my only exposure to jesus?

    Joy in Jesus, Bruce

    bruce rueber March 20, 2012 |

  4. Thanks, Beth for reminding us of these comforting words. How wonderful is our Great God. Barbara Longenecker

    Charles Longenecker March 20, 2012 |

  5. A former pastor of mine would end every sermon with the words “and that is Good News indeed”! Those words came to mind after reading your comments! Thanks Beth!

    Sue March 20, 2012 |

  6. Amen. This is what I am striving for: to be filled with Jesus!

    Joanne March 22, 2012 |