On 9-14-14, Jeremiah 31:31-37 will be our Adult Sunday School/Uniform Series/International Sunday School Lesson herein is my commentary. This lesson is known by some as Hope for the Future or Restoration

Hope for the Future

Or

Restoration

 Jeremiah 31:31-37

International Sunday School Lesson

September 14, 2014

                                                                                 

Commentary

By

Jed Greenough

More than last week this week we can very clearly point to the time yet to happen in Israel’s future and now much more near when we read today’s scripture’s words.  They took it to refer to the Messiah as can we.

The time had not existed when their old covenant with God had ceased to exist.  They had failed to hold up their end of the bargain but God had not.  We as Christians knew how this all pointed to the need for Christ and how and why He was a gift of Grace and was bringing about a new covenant but Israel doesn’t know it yet.  But they will!

God promises He will not reject them all in verse 37 and Paul tells us in Romans 11 how much we in sharing the gospel as Gentiles and Christians play a part.

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited:  Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.  And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:  “The deliverer will come from Zion; He will turn godlessness away from Jacob.  And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”  Romans 11:25-27

Those words stir me when I think of this reconciliation but no less that when I read this prophecy from Zechariah in a day when it seems like the end for Israel as a people.

And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.  They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.  Zechariah 12:10

There are those who would rewrite God’s will and promises and say they take Israel’s place.  I would not be among those who would teach that God changes His mind or His word like some man!

I am thrilled for Israel and I grieve for what they must yet endure before they too call Jesus Lord and Master.

For Discussion:

1.      Pray for Israel.

2.      Discuss how we can contribute by our contributing to the fullness of the Gentiles that will come in as referenced in Romans 11.

3.      There are other scriptures that deal with this time find them and discuss.

4.      Discuss how there will be no need to teach someone to know the Lord.

5.      Read Romans 9-11.

Upcoming Lessons

9-21-14    Anticipation of a New Future or A New Future, Jeremiah 32:1-9, 14, 15

9-28-14    Future Peace and Joy or Improbable Possibilities, Jeremiah 33:1-11

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved