Jeremiah 13:1-11 Thus said the LORD to me, Go and get you a linen girdle, and put it on your loins, and put it not in water.… I. NEARNESS TO GOD. 1. These Jews were like a girdle bound upon the loins. Should have entwined themselves around God. So nations may be near — (1) In the great things that God had done for them. (2) In the covenant relation which He had entered into with them. (3) In the privileges which He had conferred upon them. 2. Man is near God. (1) By nature. Created in God's image. (2) Near to God's heart. (3) Near in God's care over him. (4) Near in the privileges of liberty, religion, knowledge, discipline, warning. (5) In a position to become eternally nearer by growing up into Christ. (6) Brought near for God's glory. II. HIS NEARNESS DESTROYED BY SIN. 1. Sin is the destroyer of nations as well as individuals. The Jews destroyed by idolatry, lust, selfishness, pride. 2. As of nations, so of individuals: sin will destroy them, unless resisted and cast out. 3. This destruction is voluntary. The sinner is a suicide. 4. God is represented as active in this destruction. (1) Not that God deserts the sinner first. (2) But, when measure of sin is full, God removes restraints, and sets in motion the agency of judgment. 5. This destruction will consist in — (1) Separation from God. (2) Utter corruption and rottenness.Learn — 1. The terrible power of sin. 2. To guard against it as our chief enemy. (E. Jerman.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD unto me, Go and get thee a linen girdle, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water. |
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