Jeremiah 31 brings us to a mountain peak in our Bibles, for it contains the only Old Testament passage that promises “a new covenant” (v 31). And since a covenant is also called a “testament,” this is the passage which gives the New Testament its name. The “old covenant” was the covenant God made with Israel at Mount Sinai. The covenant itself was good and gracious, yet His people violated its terms, again and again. Though God was a faithful Husband, His bride failed to keep her marriage vows. Everyone was under God’s curse because of their spiritual adultery (v 32). But God will not give up on them. Jeremiah foresees a great reconciliation in coming days, when God’s people are transformed from the inside out. Through the gift of His Spirit, God will write His law on human hearts, helping the believer know what is pleasing to Him. There will be no need for special mediators like prophets, priests, and kings—for all will know the LORD by personal relationship. They will be His, and He will be theirs. Best of all, this new covenant would provide absolute forgiveness of sins—through the death of God’s own Son, a perfect sacrifice, offered once and for all (v 33-34). Throughout this great chapter, God promises a bright future for His exiled people. As He saved them in the past, He will save them in the future, for God just keeps on keeping His covenant promises. In one of Scripture’s most beautiful verses, the LORD says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (v 1-3). God promises to rebuild the ruined city, reversing the fortunes of His people. There will be dancing in the streets, prosperity for all, and crime rates so low that the police force will leave their posts to go attend worship. These promises were partly fulfilled in the life and ministry of Nehemiah. But their ultimate fulfillment would only come with the arrival of God’s Messiah. Jesus Christ is now building His eternal city (v 4-6). God would bring back the scattered exiles, watching over them with a shepherd’s care, turning their mourning into joy (v 7-14). When Jesus was born, other babies died. “Rachel” wept, even as Mary rejoiced. The raw wounds of human suffering are honestly acknowledged in Scripture. But by the grace of God, sorrow and grief do not have the last word. If you belong to the LORD, “there is hope for your future.” Jesus came to bring forgiveness of sins and to make us sons and daughters of God. He came to redeem us, take us home, and dry our tears. Comfort and restoration are just ahead (v 15-40). For further meditation: