Read the Book: Summer Bible Planনমুনা

JEREMIAH 31 - THERE WILL COME A DAY At my house, Saturday mornings are for pancakes and bacon. The warm, fluffy pancakes next to a crispy plate of meat are the perfect way to start a day. It has become the official kick-off to the weekend, the sign of fun and relaxation. In the midst of a hard week, it is something to look forward to. I have heard my kids say a number of times, “At least tomorrow we get pancakes!” The Israelites were having a bad week, to say the least. The temple had been destroyed, their king had been killed, and now they were the property of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. The prophet Jeremiah speaks into the situation and continually calls them back to the truth of the God they serve. After 30 chapters of hard times and hard words, the Lord speaks again. This time, it’s to give the people a hope for the good to come. God tells the people, “The days are coming... when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel... I will be their God and they shall be my people... I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” As people who were dealing with the consequences of their choices, to hear that their sins would be forgotten was huge. This was the do-over they wanted, but didn’t expect to come. Through the prophet, God is setting the stage for Jesus, who would come and rescue the people in a way they could never expect and give them freedom that can never be taken away. Lord, no matter what occurs in our lives, help us to remember that you are always with us and will see us through. Family Connection: God is a God of hope. Jesus is our Savior. God always makes a way for us to return to Him. Think about a time in your life when God gave you a second chance; a do-over. Share that time with your family and have them think about something they did where they would like to have a do-over.