Jeremiah 12-13

“This is what the Lord says: ‘In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem’” (13:9). God told Jeremiah to demonstrate, symbolically, what was happening to Judah. Jeremiah bought and wore a linen belt, and then he buried it among rocks until it was ruined. God warned that Judah’s rebellion was destroying their relationship with Him and making them “useless” (13:10). But one day, after loss and exile, God promised to bring back and restore those who called on His name – even their enemies (12:15-16).

God created us – like Israel – for His own “renown and praise and honor” (13:11). Sin seeks to destroy God’s handiwork, but His saving love rescues and restores us.