It would be difficult to find another series of texts that have had the same impact and influence as those read today from the prophet Jeremiah. One of the most remarkable and unique characteristics of biblical theology is the bonded relationship God voluntarily establishes with human beings. These special relationships are given legal standing by God through formal "covenants" between God and humans. The story of God's "cutting a covenant" with us is the basic plot line of the Scriptures.

The Bible details the establishment of covenants between God and Abraham, Noah, Israel, Phineas, David, etc. But all these covenants are destined to be overshadowed by the promise extended by this "new" covenant described by Jeremiah today. This "new covenant" was so influential that it spawned our whole…