SUMMARY: Fashion statement
OVERVIEW: God uses a linen belt exposed to the elements as an object lesson to teach the Israelites the destructive power of pride. And he warns them to turn to him before it is too late, and Babylon leads them into exile.
BIG IDEA: Pride makes us useless.
KEY VERSE: Jeremiah 13:10 (God to Jeremiah)
These wicked people refuse to listen to me. They stubbornly follow their own desires and worship other gods. Therefore, they will become like this loincloth—good for nothing!
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I take great pride in acknowledging you as my child. I love you and have appointed you to proclaim my good news to all. When you serve me, you give me pleasure. When you obey me, you prove your love. When you let others know what I have done and tell of my love and offer of forgiveness, you help them focus on me and give them a chance to celebrate my kindness and compassion.
Live out the purpose I have for you. Don’t be like those who refuse to listen and—instead—chase after other gods. They look to manufactured gods for pleasure and comfort, and they push me aside and become arrogant. Their pride prevents them from following me. They are too busy listening to others praise their name that they forget, I am the one worthy of being praised. Learn from their mistakes and resist the temptation to live for yourself. Follow me. I will teach you to serve others. I will teach you to live a meaningful life.
NEXT STEP
Don’t become proud and arrogant. Your role as God’s servant is to bring honor to God, not yourself. Look for 2-3 ways today to humble yourself and put others first.
MUSIC VIDEO