“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.” Jeremiah 17:7 (Jeremiah 13-17)
The people of Judah, in the face of false, but comforting, prophecy, seek a second opinion and wish to silence Jeremiah’s inconvenient truth. Still reeling from the threat to his life, Jeremiah questions himself, his message and his authenticity. He receives a very clear response! God gives this faithful servant two tangible examples of what is to come for those who reject his message. One is the linen belt, or loincloth, (Chapter 13) which would have been bejeweled with elaborate stones and was a sign of Jeremiah’s position. God gave instructions to place it in a crevice (see post script for Jeremiah’s grotto) where it became ruined. Jeremiah was then instructed to wear it as an example of God’s beloved and glorious people becoming nothing because of their sin and self-imposed separation from God.
Although Jeremiah is reassured, his plight does not improve. In fact, God says, don’t go to funerals or celebrations and do not marry. These things are the normal milestones of life, but to invest in them is to say, “All is well.” This is no time and place to start a family. Those who turned to false gods will rely on the work of their hands, but it is futile, all hope is gone because no one is seeking salvation and life is about to get real ugly.
In the middle of God’s declaration of doom are words of encouragement for those who remain faithful. Obedience is faith, faith is confidence in God, even when there is drought and you are thirsty too.
Hang in there!
Gretchen
P.S. The crevice, or cave, Jeremiah placed the linen cloth in was one of several hiding retreats he fled to when grief overwhelmed him. In these moments, Jeremiah spoke with God, heard from his LORD, gained new perspective and returned to urgent prayer and action for his fellow Judeans. This particular place has been found at the base of Golgotha, the site of Love’s greatest sacrifice. It is fitting that Jeremiah sacrificed his own will for the hope of the unrepentant. By the way, I don’t believe in coincidence.