Broken Cisterns & Living Water (Jeremiah 2:12-13)
Sermon Summary
Brother Daniel
29 November 2020
“Has a nation changed its gods,
Which are not gods?
But My people have changed their Glory
For what does not profit.
Be astonished, O heavens, at this,
And be horribly afraid;
Be very desolate,” says the LORD.
“For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”
(Jeremiah 2:11-13)
Jeremiah spoke to the people of God shortly before they went into the captivity. They were worshiping idols, seeking economic safety and spiritual satisfaction in statues made of wood and stone.
God says this is astonishing. He compares it to a person ignoring a pristine source of living water and instead drinking dirty water from a broken cistern. This is not just a foolish thing to do, but evil (vs 13). Israel has changed the glory of God for what cannot profit them. They are thirsty, they need water, but they are trying to drink from a source that won't quench their thirst. Idols are nothing in and of themselves, they are carved from a piece of wood, the rest of which is burned in fire. Idols cannot see, hear or speak. God is jealous for His own glory and forbids idolatry.
Like the ancient Israelites we too have our broken cisterns where we seek our security and satisfaction. Most of us seek our security economically in shares, property, or enlarging our bank account. Instead of joining Jesus on His mission to see God's dominion extended through His Kingdom here on earth (Matthew 28:18-20), we are content to spend our time trying to extend our own economic dominion. We rely on our money for our future instead of putting our full faith in God and being generous with what we have. Instead of seeing our neighbours put their faith in Christ and join the Kingdom of God, we are content to spend our efforts completing the last few pieces of that puzzle at home.
Like the ancient Israelites we need to repent and put our trust in God. He must become the source for our economic security. God is more glorious and excellent than owning every property in Auckland or having the largest bank account, He is better than the most comprehensive economic security (Psalm 76:4). The extension of God's Kingdom should be where we find our satisfaction and joy. Let us turn away from the broken cisterns that don't satisfy us and go to the Fountain of living water, drink deeply and live.