Read: Jeremiah 13:1-11
Even so will I spoil the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. (v. 9)
As a prophet, Jeremiah was called to speak prophetically. He was also called to act prophetically. God commanded Jeremiah to do things that made no sense to his audience, or even Jeremiah himself. In Jeremiah 13, God told his prophet to purchase a linen garment. This finely crafted, valuable accessory no doubt became the pride of Jeremiah’s wardrobe. Then God told his prophet to bury it in the ground. Jeremiah did so, ruining his pride and joy.
God said that his chosen people were once his pride and joy. When they were obedient, they could take pride in their cherished status. When they gave themselves to idolatry and ambition, they squandered their pride. They were ruined, like linen buried in the ground. Jeremiah couldn’t redeem his ruined garment. But God would redeem his ruined people.
God does this for his lost people in every time and place. He reclaimed us by sending his true pride and joy, his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus joined us in our ruined state. His body was ruined at the cross. He was wrapped in linen and buried in the tomb. Our shame was buried with him. When God raised his Son—his pride and joy—he restored us too. In his death and resurrection, Jesus brought and is still “bringing many sons and daughters to glory” (Heb. 2:10 NIV). Through Jesus, God restores our pride and reclaims us as his pride and joy. —Ben Van Arragon
As you pray, make God your pride and know that you are his.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
