SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 13
A LINEN BELT (vs. 1-11)
The Lord asked Jeremiah to buy a linen belt and put it around his wait without touching water. Then He told Jeremiah to go to Perath and hide the belt in a crevice in the rocks. Many days later, the Lord asked Jeremiah to go back to Perath and dug up the belt. When Jeremiah went to get the belt, it was ruined and completely useless.
Then the Lord told Jeremiah. Judah is wicked and proud. They refuse to listen to my words. Their stubborn hearts lead them to worship and serve other gods. So, they will be like this belt – completely useless. The Lord intend to bind Israel and Judah together to be his people for His praise and honor but they wont’ listen.
WINESKINS (vs. 12-14)
The God of Israel told Jeremiah to say to the people: “I am going to fill the wineskin with drunkenness to all who live in this land including the kings, the priest, the prophets and all those living in Jerusalem. I will smash them one against the other and have no pity, mercy or compassion in them.
THREAT OF CAPTIVITY (vs. 15-27)
REASON FOR THEIR CAPTIVITY:
- Pride (v. 17)
- Many sins (v. 22)
- Forgotten God and trusted in false gods (v. 25)
- Adultery, lust, neighing and shameless prostitution, and detestable acts (v. 27)”
THOUGHTS:
OBJECT LESSIONS:
A. Lenin belt – the belt was probably part of the priestly garments which is holy. But pride ruined it and made it completely useless. Be humble before the Lord.
B. Wineskin – It is supposed to be filled up with wine. But the people had empty spiritual life. So God filled it with drunkenness that ends in judgment. Let the Holy Spirit dwell in your hearts.
C. Flock – Judah will be carried into exile. The shepherds were selfish hireling so that the sheep were taken to slaughter by the invaders. Spiritual leaders must know how to love and care for fellow Christians.
D. The Ethiopian and the Leopard – were reminders of the depth of their sins that could not be changed or removed. The people formed a habit of disobedience that became their very nature. Repent of your sins and ask for forgiveness from God.