Scripture

“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. ” I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be there God, and they will be my people.”

Observation

The first covenant with not perfect, and so the Lord brought a new covenant. He foreshadowed this through the prophets.

The new covenant would be different to the old. Instead of a written law telling people how to behave, the Lord would write his laws on their hearts and minds. He will be their God, and they will be His people.

Nobody will need to teach their neighbours or relatives, or exhort them to know the law. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest will know Him already.

Application

When we walk with the Lord, there is no reason for laws, rules and regulations. If we all love the Lord, we will all love one another.

There is a tendency in every move of the Holy Spirit to codify what is happening, so that new converts know how to honour the Lord. That is not a bad thing. The trouble is that, over time, we may start to elevate the rules above the Holy Spirit. Eventually, what started as a life-giving move of God is stifled by legalism.

God has written His laws on our hearts. If we keep desiring to please God, He will show us what is required in every situation.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that you do not require us to learn rules and live by laws. I have a living relationship with a living God and I can trust you to lead me. Amen.