“I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not Turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.”  Jeremiah 32:40  (ESV)

Jeremiah was God’s prophet to the His people Israel during the time of their captivity in Babylon.  However he prophesied in Jerusalem and had foretold of Israel’s defeat and captivity by King Nebuchadnezzar. His prophesies were intended promises for Israel.  But they have value to us as well. It is Israel who God made a promise of an everlasting covenant with Israel – and He has made one with us through Christ Jesus when we believe on Him as our Savior. He promised Israel that He would not turn away from doing good to them – and He promises to do good for us also by giving us an inheritance with Him in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit. God promised to make for the people of Israel hearts that did not turn away from Him – We have that promise reserved for us in heaven. There is coming a day when our faith in His word and in Him will be perfect. This promise becomes real in Jesus who is our Good Shepherd who lays down His life for us. (John 10:15-18). The church is not Israel but we have God’s grace and his love. We are counted among His own.

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