Slices
Prepare
God has lots of names and roles, but today, rather than friend or Saviour, see him as God. As we approach these verses, hear them as words to you from your God.
Bible passage
The covenant is broken
11 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 ‘Listen to the terms of this covenant and tell them to the people of Judah and to those who live in Jerusalem. 3 Tell them that this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “Cursed is the one who does not obey the terms of this covenant – 4 the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.” I said, “Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God. 5 Then I will fulfil the oath I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey”– the land you possess today.’
I answered, ‘Amen, Lord.’
6 The Lord said to me, ‘Proclaim all these words in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: “Listen to the terms of this covenant and follow them. 7 From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, ‘Obey me.’ 8 But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts. So I brought on them all the curses of the covenant I had commanded them to follow but that they did not keep.”’
9 Then the Lord said to me, ‘There is a conspiracy among the people of Judah and those who live in Jerusalem. 10 They have returned to the sins of their ancestors, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both Israel and Judah have broken the covenant I made with their ancestors. 11 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them. 12 The towns of Judah and the people of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they will not help them at all when disaster strikes. 13 You, Judah, have as many gods as you have towns; and the altars you have set up to burn incense to that shameful god Baal are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.”
14 ‘Do not pray for this people or offer any plea or petition for them, because I will not listen when they call to me in the time of their distress.
15 ‘What is my beloved doing in my temple
as she, with many others, works out her evil schemes?
Can consecrated meat avert your punishment?
When you engage in your wickedness,
then you rejoice.’
16 The Lord called you a thriving olive tree
with fruit beautiful in form.
But with the roar of a mighty storm
he will set it on fire,
and its branches will be broken.
17 The Lord Almighty, who planted you, has decreed disaster for you, because the people of both Israel and Judah have done evil and aroused my anger by burning incense to Baal.
Plot against Jeremiah
18 Because the Lord revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. 19 I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realise that they had plotted against me, saying,
‘Let us destroy the tree and its fruit;
let us cut him off from the land of the living,
that his name be remembered no more.’
20 But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously
and test the heart and mind,
let me see your vengeance on them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
21 Therefore this is what the Lord says about the people of Anathoth who are threatening to kill you, saying, ‘Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord or you will die by our hands’– 22 therefore this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine. 23 Not even a remnant will be left to them, because I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth in the year of their punishment.’
Explore
Lots of music these days plays the tune of expressive individualism: ‘Be who you want to be.’ It’s the music our culture wants us to sing along to, but as we play tracks from Jeremiah we hear a different song, a covenantal song which can be difficult for contemporary ears. The idea of a covenant (v 2), an agreement that binds two parties together, runs through Jeremiah.
God’s covenant with his people is often described as a marriage. Jeremiah doesn’t explicitly call it that, but the idea is there in the background. Judah has as many gods as they have towns (v 13), and God expresses his displeasure to Jeremiah, warning of the punishment to come (vs 14–23).
The covenant is not a limiting contract but an agreement that frees because of the certainty it brings (vs 4b,5). Bob Dylan sang, ‘You’re gonna have to serve somebody.’* Ultimately the freedom that expressive individualism promises is a mirage. God’s heart in this is that we serve him, not because he needs anything, but because this will mean that we’re in right relationship with him. We’re his and he is ours.
*Gotta Serve Somebody’, Columbia Records, 1979
Respond
Pause to reflect on how you see your relationship with God. How do you react to the idea of being in a covenantal relationship with him? Do you see it as limiting or freeing?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 27,28; 1 Corinthians
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission Partner FACCTS in Fleet as they plan to run Youth Alpha this term, drawing from the clubs they have been holding in secondary schools. Pray for good, consistent attendance and that those coming find a real faith in Jesus.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
Starting secondary school is more than new classrooms and new friends. It’s a season of growth, challenge and discovery. For some children, it’s exciting. For many, it’s overwhelming. And for all, it’s a defining moment.
That’s why It’s Your Move exists – to help children step into this new chapter with faith, courage and confidence.
For over 25 years, this trusted guide has supported more than 2.5 million children, offering practical advice, emotional guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian values.
Practical guidance you can trust.
Inside this 80-page guide, children will find:
✅ Real stories from pupils who’ve trusted God and themselves during the transition
✅ Guidance on friendships, confidence, homework and facing fears like bullying
✅ Space to reflect, pray and process emotions
✅ Encouragement and hope rooted in scripture
This isn’t just a book – it’s reassurance in their backpack.
Plus, every purchase includes instant access to:
✅ Student experience videos
✅ Assembly & lesson plans
✅ Creative tools to help children process the move
Secondary school is coming whether children feel ready or not. Let’s make sure they step forward grounded in faith, guided by hope and prepared with practical wisdom.
Get your copy here.
