Torn and Tattered

Jeremiah 13:1-11

In Jeremiah 13:1-11, Jeremiah was instructed to buy a linen girdle and put it upon his loins. Jeremiah was also instructed not to wash the girdle. Jeremiah was later told to go to Euphrates and hide the girdle in a hole in a rock. After many days, Jeremiah was told to go and get the girdle. When Jeremiah did so, he discovered the girdle was marred and profitable for nothing. God told Jeremiah "After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem" (Jeremiah 13:9).

This object lesson served to illustrate the judgment that would come upon Judah and Jerusalem because of their pride. But a personal application can also be made from this passage.

First, just as the girdle was a personal possession purchased by Jeremiah, we today are God’s possession. Peter wrote that we are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people" (I Peter 2:9 - KJV). The ASV renders this verse "a people for God’s own possession." We have been purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28).

Second, just as the girdle was separated from Jeremiah when it became soiled and filthy, we become separated from God when we become soiled with the filth of sin. Concerning those who claim fellowship with God yet walk in darkness, John wrote "This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:5-7).

Third, just as the girdle eventually become profitable for nothing, we cannot serve God’s intended purpose for us when we become soiled with sin. Christians are pictured as the salt of the earth. Christ asked, "If the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it (the world) be salted" (Matthew 5:13). As Christians, we are to let our lights shine before men in order that they might see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16). It is not possible for us to bring glory to God if we ourselves are living a life of sin.