Day 217

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Jeremiah Useless Loincloth

Scripture

August 4—Jeremiah 11-15: Ruined Girdle, Ruined Nation

Observation

As a "visual aid" to the nation, Jeremiah is instructed by God to buy a new loincloth (a wide linen sash used as a man's belt and wallet) and to bury it in the moist, muddy bank of the Euphrates River. Later, when instructed by God to dig it up again, Jeremiah finds the belt in a predictable condition—rotten and useless. The object lesson is clear: God's chosen people, once bound close to him and for generations filled with his riches, have become as useless as a rotten linen girdle because of their involvement with sinful excess.

Application

Think back over the last seven days and count up the number of people you have talked to in that period of time: family members, fellow employees, classmates, friends, neighbors, service people, store clerks. Don't forget those you spoke to by phone or letter, over a cup of coffee or over the fence.

Now subtract the number of those who are already Christians. How many are left? Five, ten, twenty or more? That represents the number of opportunities you have each week to offer hope, encouragement and a word of witness to a lost world.

Jeremiah's "hiding" of the linen cloth quickly spoiled its usefulness. In much the same way you may be "hiding" yourself and like Judah are in danger of becoming spoiled and useless. Muscles that are never used soon begin to waste away and weaken, the same is true for spiritual muscles. The only known cure is exercise and plenty of it! Is it time for you to "come out of hiding" and get some exercise in the work of the Lord? Go online to a Christian bookstore and order a few gospel tracts. Then look for and seize a few of these opportunities to tell your world about God's Good News this week.

Prayer

Father, thank you for reminding us in our studying of your Word today to seize every opportunity to tell those we encounter about the Good News and for drawing close to us when we need you most so that we don't become useless in your sight. When we go through deep waters, your presence is very close to us and we want everyone to enjoy this benefit all because of trusting and obeying your Word. We are so careful to give you the glory, the honor and the praise. We worship you oh Lord—in Jesus name! Amen!


Draw Close to God


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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