Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 13:1-11

A Linen Belt

It talks about a linen sash that the Lord commanded Jeremiah to put around his waist. Then later to take the cloth and hide it in a cave by the Euphrates River. When he went back to get it, the sash was ruined and worthless. To Jeremiah, the Lord said, “I will ruin the pride of Judah and Jerusalem, because the people refuse to hear God’s Word.” They worship other gods, but the Lord said the whole house of Judah and Israel (the whole 12 tribes) will cling to him so that they might become his people for his renown and praise and glory; but they would not listen.

The sash symbolizes the people of the tribes of Judah and Israel. They were tainted by the heathen gods. The Lord wanted them to cling to him, but they would not listen. Did Christ wear the filthiness of our sin to the grave? His father cleaned him up and raised him from the dead. We may be soiled when we want to entertain the “gods” of our age and then we can no longer be proud of our connection to the Lord. I pray this time of Lent will be an opportunity to examine our lives and rid ourselves of the idolatry of the world.
The tribes of Israel and Judah were feared because of their great God. When they sinned, this made them like the heathen nations. When we sin we look like unbelievers. They look at us and see no difference. How can we be a testimony to God with sin in our lives? Be close to him. The closer we are and the more we listen, the greater the impact our lives have on this world. Let us seek holiness by listening to the Lord and heeding his precepts. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
The song comes to mind;
God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
“God of Wonders” by Third Day

Let us worship the God of heaven and earth by clinging to him.

Be encouraged, for he who has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians1:6)