“Now it came to pass after many days that the Lord said to me, “Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take from there the sash which I commanded you to hide there.” 7 Then I went to the Euphrates and dug, and I took the sash from the place where I had hidden it; and there was the sash, ruined. It was profitable for nothing. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “Thus says the Lord: ‘In this manner I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. 10 This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts, and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing. 11 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 13:6-13 NKJV
Our God and Lord,
We all learn in different ways and You, God always ensure Your message is clear and understood by all. So You often use both visual illustrations along with words spoken and written.
A linen sash not actually a necessary piece of clothing, but it illustrated that You God chose Your people, not for what they could do for You, not because You needed them, but because You loved them and wanted them close to You. I know You did not open my eyes to see Jesus because of my abilities or anything I can for You. You did it because You love me.
So the sash symbolised the relationship that You wanted God, the close intimacy. Juday had ruined it because they did not value being close to You as much as their own way. And perhaps pride prevented them from admitting it and returning.
Then Jeremiah mentions bottles of wine in verses 12 and 13. They thought, blow the sash, You God have blessed us with wine. No problem. Yes, says Jeremiah but too much of a good thing . . . will bring You down . . . they were happy with blessings, forgetting You, the One who blessed them.
We need the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14). Not just to have knowledge but to put it into practice (James 1:22). Blessings are precious, we are grateful for all Your provision but it is You who we worship and want to be with.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 11th July 2026
(Psalm 84:10)
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord Almighty.
For my soul longs and even faints for you.
For here my heart is satisfied,
within your presence.
I sing beneath the shadow of your wings.
Better is one day in your courts,
better is one day in your house,
better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere.
Better is one day in your courts,
better is one day in your house,
better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere,
than thousands elsewhere.
One thing I ask and I would seek:
to see your beauty,
to find you in the place your glory dwells.
One thing I ask and I would seek:
to see your beauty,
To find you in the place your glory dwells.
Choros
Bridge:
My heart and flesh cry out
for you, the living god;
your Spirit’s water to my soul.
I’ve tasted and I’ve seen,
come once again to me;
I will draw near to you,
I will draw near to you.
Chorus . . .
Lyrics: Matt Redman