How does Jeremiah 7:23 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament? Jeremiah 7:23 in Focus “but I commanded them this: ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. Walk in every way that I command you, that it may go well with you.’ ” Echoes in Jesus’ Call to Obedience • John 10:27 — “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Matthew 7:21 — “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” • Jesus repeats the same pattern: hearing, obeying, belonging, and receiving blessing. "I Will Be Your God, You Will Be My People" – Fulfilled in Christ • Hebrews 8:10 cites Jeremiah’s covenant promise and applies it to the new covenant sealed by Jesus’ blood. • John 1:12 — “Yet to all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” • Revelation 21:3 — “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man… and they will be His people.” • Through Christ, the “people” are no longer limited to Israel but include all who believe, fulfilling the covenant intent of Jeremiah 7:23. Walking in the Commandments of Christ • John 15:10-11 — “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love… so that your joy may be complete.” • 1 John 2:3-6 stresses that knowing God is proven by obedience, mirroring “Walk in every way that I command you.” • The Spirit empowers this obedience (Romans 8:4), turning an Old Testament command into a New Testament reality. A Promise of Well-Being Realized in the Gospel • Jeremiah speaks of things “going well.” Jesus invites, “Come to Me… and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30). • The abundant life Jesus promises (John 10:10) is the ultimate fulfillment of the well-being God desired for His people. • 2 Corinthians 6:16 links Jeremiah’s wording directly to the church, declaring believers the living temple where God walks and blesses. Practical Takeaways for Today • Listen actively to Christ’s voice through Scripture; obedience starts with attentive hearing. • Measure love for God by the readiness to do what He says, not by feelings alone. • Remember that obedience is covenantal, not contractual—God binds Himself to be our God as we follow His Son. • Expect the “going well” promised by God, expressed in peace, joy, and spiritual fruit, even amid trials (Galatians 5:22-23). • Rely on the Holy Spirit to walk in Christ’s commands; He provides both desire and power (Philippians 2:13). |
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