The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus. Post-feast of Theophany.
Hebrews 8:7-13; Mark 8:11-21.
Read Hebrews 8:7-13
One could very easily take this passage in an anti-semitic direction. Afterall, the writer to the Hebrews reminds the reader of when God had declared that the Jews did not continue in His covenant and that He disregarded them. The author further declares that the Lord is making that first covenant obsolete.
It is important to see what the Lord says about the New Covenant and what it will look like. In this, it is clear that He is not badmouthing the Jews but inviting them, and all nations of the earth, into something far greater and lasting.
In the New Covenant, the Law will no longer be a matter of commandments issued which are recorded in writing. As useful as this might be, reliance on a written code reveals an inherent brokenness—I do this and don’t do that becauses of a list of rules that dictate what my behaviour should look like. This works for people who are immature. Think of a child follows direction based on what his parents tell him. He does the ‘right thing’ but doesn’t really understand why and certainly hasn’t internalized the bigger picture in any way.
The Lord paints us a different picture for the New Covenant. “I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people”. Instead of relying on a written list of do’s and don’ts, God’s people will internalize His design, His plan, His purpose and live their lives accordingly.
This requires a great deal of spiritual maturity, just like only a mature adult, and not an immature person, will understand the bigger ‘why’ behind what is right and wrong and live accordingly. This call to spiritual maturity is the call to holiness, to live one’s life according to God’s plan and will.
So pray for this maturity and the insight and self-awareness needed to achieve it. If you are baptized and a part of His people of the New Covenant, you are called to this greatness. If this sounds daunting, remember the Lord’s words: Be not afraid.