DAY 308

IT ALL CHANGES

Jeremiah 30 & 31 and Philemon

When we were reading Isaiah you might have gotten used to those moments of soaring language. While Isaiah had some strong things to say, he also got quickly to language of hope. In Jeremiah we have had to wait for some twenty-nine chapters. But what you have read in Jeremiah in these two chapters of hope reaches the heights that we experienced in Isaiah.

The language is addressed not just to Judah, but to both Israel and Judah—both kingdoms. The people of the northern tribes, under the name Ephraim, are consoled for their long period of chastening. But the vision is bigger, bigger than a restored nation. The vision is about how “it all changes.” The vision is a NEW COVENANT.

We probably don’t “get the covenant” thing, the way we should. Think back to Genesis. Think back to the animals cut in half in chapter fifteen of that book. Think back and remember how God promised that he would be torn in two if Abraham and his descendants did not keep the covenant. We know they have not—that is why they are in exile. Yet God in Jeremiah 31:31 says I will give you a New Covenant; one that I will write on your hearts.

What does “write on your hearts” mean? I explain it this way: did you have any subjects in school you hated? Most people can list a few. How about subjects you liked, did you have any of those? Most people have one or two. So what was homework like in the subjects you liked, or how about bonus questions? For those subjects you loved the homework flowed and the bonus questions were even fun! For subjects you liked, it was as if those subjects were “written on your heart!”

God says I am going to do that “some day.” When? Well that story is to come, but when God does it will change everything…you will even think of slaves as free…and that leads to Philemon.

Philemon – one chapter and twenty five verses. This is one of five single chapter books in the Bible. It is a pure letter. There is no long discourse about a subject—there is just narrative. A runaway slave has met up with Paul and become a follower of Jesus. Paul sends him back to be reconciled, not as a slave, but as a brother, a member of the household—while short the letter is striking. Whoever thinks the New Testament justifies slavery, has not read this short letter. Elsewhere we read about slaves being obedient, but given the chance Paul’s goal is freedom, and he, Paul, will even pay the debt. Why? Because when you are a follower of Jesus – it all changes.