Reflections on Faith and Salvation

Hi everyone,

Last Sunday it was all about snakes, and this Sunday we commemorate St. Patrick who drove all the snakes out of Ireland!  On this 5th Sunday of Lent, we are called to inner transformation as we hear of God's covenant being written on our hearts.

Pastor Tim

"God has led you to the desert, and spoken to your Heart."

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church

3546 E. Thomas Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-956-1620 office

Reflections on Faith and Salvation

A Covenant Written on Our Heart

As we enter this weekend with Christ, we are reminded of the beautiful promise whispered by God through the ages: the promise of a covenant written on our heart. 

A Broken Covenant and a Yearning Heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34):

In Jeremiah 31, the prophet speaks of a broken promise. The covenant God established with the Israelites after leading them out of Egypt had been shattered. Yet, amidst the disappointment, God offers a glimpse of hope – a new covenant. This covenant wouldn't rely on external rules and rituals, but on an internal transformation. God's law wouldn't be a set of instructions on a stone tablet, but a living inscription etched within our very being. It's a yearning for a deeper connection, a heart that resonates with God's will.

The High Priest and the Perfecting Power of Suffering (Hebrews 5:5-10):

Hebrews 5 introduces Jesus, the ultimate High Priest. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus didn't glorify himself but humbled himself through suffering. He became perfect through his obedience, paving the way for our own transformation. Jesus' suffering wasn't in vain. It unlocked the path to eternal salvation. Through his sacrifice, our hearts become fertile ground for God's law to take root.

The Seed of Faith and the Hour of Glory (John 12:20-33):

John 12 tells the story of some Greeks who sought Jesus. Their search for truth resonates with the yearning for a deeper connection with God. Jesus, however, speaks of a seed that must fall to the ground and die before it can bear fruit. This seed, of course, symbolizes his sacrifice. His death signifies the breaking down of barriers, the paving of the way for a more intimate relationship with God. It's in this death that the new covenant finds its power.

The Covenant on Our Hearts Today:

Brothers and sisters, the promise of a covenant written on the heart is ours to claim. Through faith in Jesus and his sacrifice, we can experience a transformation. God's law becomes less a set of rules and more an internal compass guiding our choices.

This doesn't mean there's no struggle. Like a seed, our faith needs constant nourishment – through prayer, study, and living a Christ-like life. But as we nurture this seed, the covenant etched on our hearts blossoms, bringing us closer to God and guiding us on the path of righteousness.