Daily Devotions

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 
Day 
Day 173

"For renown, for praise, and for glory"

Text: Jeremiah 13:11

THE SYMBOL OF THE SASH

The sash was used as a symbol. It was not so much of a fashion statement at all. It carried much meaning.

“‘For as the sash clings to the waist of a man,
so I have caused the whole house of Israel
and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’
says the LORD, ‘that they may become My people,
for renown, for praise, and for glory;
but they would not hear.'”
Jeremiah 13:11

1. “For as the sash clings to the waist of a man”

a) The sash was like a belt.
b) It is worn around the waist.
c) It was meant to cling to the waist of a man.

2. “‘So I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the LORD”

a) Both kingdoms were mentioned.
i) The house of Israel, the northern kingdom.
ii) The house of Judah, the southern kingdom.
b) They were meant to cling to the Lord closely.
i) This had not happened in the past.
ii) It will happen in the future.

3. “That they may become My people”

a) God’s plan was for both kingdoms to be His people.
b) But both Israel and Judah preferred not to be identified as God’s people.
i) This was sheer foolishness.
ii) It led to great sinfulness.
iii) They suffered much as a result of their folly and sin.
iv) Yet, they remained unrepentant.
v) Israel was no more; Judah was on the brink of collapse.

4. “For renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear”

a) God’s plan was recalled.
b) Three things were highlighted:
i) God’s people would become “renown”.
ii) They were to be given “praise” (Judah means “praise”).
iii) They were to be given “glory”.
c) If they had clung to God all of the above would have been realised.

5. “But they would not hear”

a) Both Israel and Judah refused to hear what God had to say.
b) They wanted all three things too.
c) But they sought for them wrongly.
i) They chose the path of evil.
ii) They sought the blessings of the idols they worship.
d) None of the above blessings were ever obtained.