Jeremiah 31: Inner Renewal Promised - God in Your Heart
Join Julie South as we uncover an astounding promise of inner renewal directly from God in Jeremiah 31. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God foretells a new covenant where he will write his law on the hearts of his people. This points to a future of profound intimacy with God through an inner spiritual transformation.
Listener Question of the Week
Our question this week continues a multi-part exploration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Specifically, we examine where reconciliation is mentioned in the Bible.
As Julie highlights, there are over 100 references to "reconciliation" in Scripture!
Key passages establish the framework for confession, including Christ commissioning his Apostles to forgive sins (John 20:21-23), believers confessing transgressions and praying for healing (James 5:15-16), and the ministry of reconciliation between God and humanity facilitated by the Church (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Next week we compare reconciliation across Christian denominations.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Foretells new covenant written on the hearts of God's people
- Contrasts inferior, external old covenant with the significant inner renewal of this very personal new covenant
- With God's law guiding internally, obedience will flow naturally from the transformed heart
Hebrews 5:7-9
- Jesus learned obedience through suffering, cries and tears
- His perfection enables Christ to bring about new eternal covenant between God and humanity
John 12:20-33
- Imagery of Jesus' death like seed falling and bearing abundant fruit
- His sacrifice brings forgiveness, inner renewal, deepest knowledge of God
Concluding Reflections
Julie encourages us to prioritise inner transformation by letting our faith shape our decisions and actions. We can also find meaning amidst struggles, uniting our suffering to Christ's. And we are called to self-sacrificial love, putting others' needs first.
Your Next Step(s)
We hope these passages have spoken powerfully into your life this week.
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Websites mentioned in this episode:
Your Catholic Corner
Open Bible - >100 biblical "reconciliation" references
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