They will ask the way to Jerusalem and will start back home again. They will bind themselves to the LORD with an eternal covenant that will never be forgotten.

Jeremiah 50:5

Jeremiah 50 is, for the most part, God’s word of judgment upon Babylon. Though he used this nation for his purposes, the time was approaching when Babylon itself would fall to foreign powers.

In the midst of bad news for Babylon, we glimpse a glimmer of hope for Israel and Judah. Before too long, they will return home, “weeping and seeking the LORD their God” (50:4). When their exile is over, the people of God will “bind themselves to the LORD with an eternal covenant that will never be forgotten” (50:5). In the time of this new covenant, the people will be in a relationship that is never broken by sin.

Jesus used the language of covenant to explain the meaning of his death. He did so in the context of the Last Supper. So we read in Matthew 26:27-28: “And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, 'Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.' " The death of Jesus forges a new covenant between people and God, a solemn contract based on God’s gracious forgiveness. This covenant will never be forgotten, not because people keep it perfectly, but because God chooses to forgive breaches of the new covenant. Forgiveness inaugurates the new covenant and forgiveness keeps it alive.

Thus, you and I are bound to God, not primarily because of anything we have done, but because of what he has done in Christ. We remain in covenant relationship with God, not because we live perfectly, but because God forgives perfectly. Thus we have confidence through Christ to believe that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love (Rom. 8:38-39).

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What is the basis of your relationship with God? How do you experience being bound to God through Christ?

PRAYER: Gracious Lord, what an honor and privilege to be in a covenant relationship with you. Thank you for binding us to yourself through Christ, as we receive forgiveness in faith. Thank you for sustaining and strengthening our covenant with you by your grace. How good you are to us!

May I never take for granted the fact and the wonder of my relationship with you. May I never presume upon your forgiveness. Rather, as you hold me to yourself, may I grow to be more like you in every way.

All praise be to you, God of the eternal covenant! Amen.