What steps can we take to uphold God's covenant in our community? Drawing from Jeremiah 14:21 “ ‘For the sake of Your name, do not despise us; do not disgrace the throne of Your glory. Remember Your covenant with us; do not break it.’ ” Foundational Insight Jeremiah’s cry teaches three big truths that guide us today: • God’s name is to be honored. • His throne—His manifest presence—must never be disgraced. • His covenant is unbreakable on His side and must be treasured on ours. Step 1: Exalt His Name in Everyday Life • Speak of Him with reverence—no careless or joking use of His titles (Exodus 20:7). • Give public credit for blessings instead of vague “good vibes” (Psalm 34:3). • Sing, read, and memorize Scripture together so His reputation is central in the community (Colossians 3:16). Step 2: Guard the Throne of His Glory Among Us • Treat gatherings as holy ground—come prepared, on time, and prayerful (Hebrews 12:28). • Pursue purity: immorality, deceit, and bitterness “grieve the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper faithfully; examine hearts so the ordinance displays His majesty (1 Corinthians 11:26–29). Step 3: Remember the Covenant Continually • Retell the gospel story often—Jesus’ blood is the “new covenant” (Luke 22:20). • Put visible reminders in homes and meeting places—Scripture art, verse cards, mission boards—so promises stay before our eyes (Deuteronomy 6:9). • Mark anniversaries of God’s faithfulness with testimonies and praise nights (Psalm 105:1–5). Step 4: Walk in Repentance and Reliance • When sin surfaces, confess quickly—both privately and corporately (1 John 1:9). • Fast and pray when national or local crises arise, echoing Jeremiah’s plea (Joel 2:12–17). • Seek the Spirit’s power, not human schemes, for ministry fruitfulness (Zechariah 4:6). Step 5: Practice Corporate Obedience and Accountability • Teach the whole counsel of God; avoid trimming hard passages (Acts 20:27). • Form small groups that apply the Word together, gently correcting and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Handle resources with transparency so stewardship reflects covenant loyalty (2 Corinthians 8:20–21). Step 6: Show Covenant Love to Neighbors • Defend the vulnerable—widows, orphans, refugees—because covenant people model God’s justice (Micah 6:8; James 1:27). • Pursue reconciliation across ethnic and social lines; Christ “has made the two one” (Ephesians 2:14). • Share the gospel boldly; extending the invitation honors the covenant-making God (Matthew 28:19–20). Encouraging Promises to Hold Tight • “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion…” (Deuteronomy 7:9). • “He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations” (Psalm 105:8). • “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). Putting It All Together When a community lifts high God’s name, guards His glory, remembers His covenant, lives repentantly, walks in accountable obedience, and shows steadfast love, it echoes Jeremiah’s plea in action. The Lord delights to answer such a cry, and His unbreakable covenant shines all the brighter through His people. |
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