Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 8:10-13.
But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.
Paul speaks of the New Covenant God has made with His people and the forgiveness for sin we are offered. God has done something wonderful by making a way for us to be reconnected to Him. Through Christ’s sacrifice for us, we may all know God personally.
This individual relationship is essential, as each of us must choose to accept the offer of grace. While others may share their faith, it is up to us to say yes to the gift of salvation and live in the blessing it provides. God promises that “everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already” (v. 11).
While the New Covenant gives us all a chance to be made new through Jesus, the promise is the same as it was when we were first created – “I will be their God, and they will be my people” (v. 10). God has always loved and wanted only good for us, it is we who have made things difficult through our selfish refusal to live together with Him and each other. Take the opportunity God has provided us to live a new life in the New Covenant of Jesus our Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You are willing to forgive us our sins. Bless us to be the children You intend, loving You and each other eternally. Amen.