A Lifetime of Pursuing (Part 1 of 4)- Broken Cisterns

 Jeremiah 2:13 NKJV

“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."

Forsaken- abandon, leave behind

In Israel rain comes in the winter months and it's typically hot and dry in the summer.  Cisterns were used to collect and store rainwater.  They were constructed using bedrock and the inside was covered with limestone plaster so the water wouldn't seep through the cracks.  Obviously if there were cracks, water would seep out making it completely useless.  The people would have labored in vain and would not profit from it one bit.  All that work for nothing and they would still be thirsty.

The people of Israel understood this message.  They had turned away from God.  They were no longer fully devoted to Him and were now "idolaters" (Jeremiah 2:5)  They were pursuing false gods rather than turning to the Fountain of Living Water.  Instead of placing their hope and trust in God they looked to the Egyptians and the Assyrians for their help.  God had blessed them, protected them, loved them and yet they turned their backs for nothing more than broken cisterns.  Even though they could easily look around and see other nations faithfully serving their "gods" which did not benefit them, God's people still turned away from the Source.  

In the same way children of God there are many today who have turned away from the Fountain of Living Water to broken cisterns.  So influenced by the world, agreeing with the way the world functions, changing our Living God for "gods" that were never meant to fulfill us.  One could at least try to reason idol worship amongst those who have no relationship with God, those who have never tasted and seen that the Lord indeed is good but, how foolish it is for one who knows God and turns away from Him to pursue that which is dirty, broken, empty and leaves you thirsty.    

We start off thankful for our careers, material possessions, education, finances, children, spouse just to name a few but, then slowly we begin to give more reverence to the people and things God has given us rather than God Himself.  The very blessings God has bestowed upon us can become the very things that we replace God with, allowing them to steal the affections of our heart and rob God of His glory.  We should always remember God will not share His glory. (Isaiah 42:8 NKJV I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another,Nor My praise to carved images.) 

God is addressing the idolatry in the lives of His people.  He is long suffering with each and every one of us.  Full of grace and compassion, giving us time to hear his voice and repent.  God is not offering a drop of provision here, a drop of peace there, a drop of protection here, a drop of faithfulness there and maybe a little love every once and awhile, if you deserve it.  He is calling us to return back to Him, to pursue Him and constantly drink from Him; the Fountain of Life.(Matthew 22:37-38 NKJV 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.) 

The same applies to America and all the other nations that desperately try to separate themselves from God and His ways, thinking they will prosper without Him.  It is foolish to believe peace, protection and provision will be given outside of God.  Our hope and trust should be in the LORD not man nor anything constructed by man. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.) If we continue to refuse to repent as a nation, and reject God's correction, we will reap what we sow.  (Galatians 6:7-8 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life)    

What cisterns have you constructed in your life that you need to do away with?  Has anyone or anything taken God's place in your life?  Do you find yourself less devoted to God and more devoted to something and/or someone else?  Where have you placed your trust and hope?  

We have no need to drink from polluted waters when we can be fully satisfied by the Fountain of Life, God.   

Psalms 36:7-9

7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

8 They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house,

And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.

9 For with You is the fountain of life;

In Your light we see light.

 A Lifetime of Pursuing (Part 2 of 4)- Many Lovers https://www.bud-and-flourish.com/2021/01/a-lifetime-of-pursuing-part-2-of-4-many.html

A Lifetime of Pursuing (Part 3 of 4)- God Remembers You  https://www.bud-and-flourish.com/2021/02/a-lifetime-of-pursuing-part-3-of-4-god.html

Part 4 A Lifetime of Pursuing (Part 4 of 4)- I Will Heal  https://www.bud-and-flourish.com/2021/03/a-lifetime-of-pursuing-part-4-of-4-i.html