1. A living parable (1-14)

God gave Jeremiah a strange errand. He was to buy an expensive linen belt, wear it for a while, then put it under a rock, and leave it there until it was ruined. It was a vivid parable of God's relationship to his people. He had chosen them and bound them to himself as closely as a linen belt is bound around a man's waist. But they became proud and ignored his word. They worshiped idols and became useless. God would let them destroy themselves with wine (12-14).

2. Judah will be carried into exile (15-27)

The people were arrogant, and their idolatry was blatant. If they did not repent and give glory to God, he would bring darkness. Their pride would turn to shame, for they would be stripped and abused and carried as slaves into captivity. This would happen because of their many sins. They must repent.

Application: Lord, you created and redeemed me to live for your glory. Give me a humble and obedient heart. Forgive my sins.
One Word: Be useful to God, not useless