What can we learn about God's expectations from "the words of this covenant"? Setting the Scene “Then the LORD said to me, ‘Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: Hear the words of this covenant and carry them out.’” (Jeremiah 11:6) What the Phrase Reveals about God’s Expectations •Hear with intention: “Hear the words of this covenant.” God expects active, careful listening that receives His voice as final authority (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4; James 1:19). •Obey completely: “and carry them out.” Listening is incomplete without responsive action (cf. Exodus 24:7; Luke 11:28). •Respond publicly: The message was to be proclaimed “in the cities… and in the streets.” God calls His people to live and declare His covenant openly, influencing community life (cf. Deuteronomy 27:9–10). •Embrace covenant loyalty: The word “covenant” signals a binding relationship. God expects wholehearted faithfulness, not casual association (cf. Exodus 19:5; Hosea 6:6). •Accept collective accountability: Jeremiah addresses the nation; covenant obedience is a shared obligation, not merely individual (cf. Deuteronomy 29:9–15). •Recognize consequences: Ignoring the covenant triggers its warnings (Jeremiah 11:8). God’s expectations carry real rewards and real discipline (cf. Leviticus 26:3–33). Why These Expectations Matter Today •The covenant points to God’s unchanging character—He still speaks, still commands, still blesses obedience (Malachi 3:6). •It underscores the link between belief and behavior; genuine faith is verified by obedience (John 14:15). •It calls the church to model covenant faithfulness before a watching world (Matthew 5:14–16). Living It Out 1.Slow down to “hear.” Schedule daily, unhurried Scripture intake. 2.Immediately “carry out” one clear directive you’ve read—avoid deferring obedience. 3.Share truth publicly: speak of Christ’s covenant in everyday conversation. 4.Pursue communal faithfulness: encourage your local body to corporate obedience, prayer, and repentance. 5.Remember the stakes: blessings follow obedience; discipline follows disregard (Hebrews 12:5–11). Summary “The words of this covenant” summon us to attentive listening, wholehearted obedience, public witness, and corporate loyalty, upheld by the assurance that God rewards faithfulness and judges rebellion. |
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