When the Lord had Jeremiah hide a linen belt in a crevice in the rocks, and then take it out later to find it rotted, it was to show how sin ruins our lives. God wanted the people of Israel to be bound to him in love like a belt for his renown and praise and honor (11). Linen garments were worn by Israel's priests and represented holiness (Lev 16:32). But Israel refused to pay attention to his word and kept worshiping idols. Now they were defiled and unable to reveal God's glory like Jeremiah's useless belt.

We also were created to reveal God's glory, but we became so accustomed to sinning and doing evil that we were unable to do good (23). Our sinful actions, which can be compared to adultery against God, corrupted our hearts (27) until we were like the useless belt. We deserve God's judgment, like Israel was (22). But thank God that he had mercy on us in our useless condition and sent his Son. Jesus' blood cleanses us from the filth of sin and makes us holy. It is like Jesus clothes us newly in fine linen (Rev 19:7-8), so we can bring God praise and honor with our lives.


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus. Help me remember how sin made me useless. Keep me bound to you in Jesus for your glory.
One Word: Bound to Jesus for his glory.