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 2:13)

Jeremiah provides an inconceivable picture of Judah. Why would anyone in their right mind leave a fountain of living water and turn to a broken cistern? This was the two-sided sin of Israel. She had forsaken God and turned to idols.

There is always the temptation of following one’s own way.   Being free and independent is the Devil’s lie!  Man wants to be free from restraints! This is the allurement of Idolatry, of all sin, of broken cisterns!

Ultimately the way of godlessness leads to misery. (Romans 1:26, 27) Not only does man's way reap eternal consequences, but it does not profit him now.  When one turns from God, he removes himself from the only source of true refreshment for the soul, and the only possibility of an abundant life.
 
Jehovah is the fountain of living waters. He is the eternal existing one, limitless in power, and limitless in possibilities. He is the giver and sustainer of physical and spiritual life. He is the only source of satisfying nourishment for the soul.

Israel’s devotion to idols was not just a momentary act when they made the golden calf after they left Egypt.  These constant temptations finally lead to an obscene religion.  It is easy for us to fall into the same trap. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. (1 John 5:21)

Men labor to find their on way and provide their own security. It is sad that they do no better than broken cisterns. Meanwhile, they neglect the living waters of the promises of God.

By George Slover
 

Jesus said to him, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Before the Lord’s death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, he prepared his apostles for their mission after his departure. This would have been a startling revelation, for most likely they did not envision the events about to take place. Thomas voiced his concern: “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”.(John 14:5) Jesus’ answer is revealed in the well known text above. Jesus states he is the way. In fact, he is the only way!

Christ is the only way to a knowledge of God. In this same setting he told Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father”. (John 14:9) By his earthly life and ministry, he not only points to the disposition of the father, but displayed the very power of deity. God became flesh and dwelt among men.

Christ is the only way to favor with God. God is infinitely righteous. He is totally incapable of evil and repulsed by our sin and rebellion. The blood of Christ is the only path to reconciliation with God. (Romans 5:8-11)

Christ is the only way to fellowship with God. The unregenerate are called “children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), but through Christ one is adopted into God's family to become his child. (Galatians 3:26,27)

Christ is the only way to the Father's presence. Jesus was about to leave them to go to the Father. Through Christ alone, one day God's people will be able to enjoy the Father’s eternal presence. Jesus is showing the way home.

Contrary to the “many roads” ploy of Satan, Jesus says, “I am the way”. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12)

By George Slover

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God." (Nehemiah 10:39)

There are times when a church or an individual is in need of spiritual renewal. The Jews of this era busied themselves with rebuilding the Temple, restoring the law, and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.   There is a good comparison of the activities of the Jews with rebuilding spiritual lives in our time.

Chapter 9 records a public confession of Israel. This confession was accompanied by a covenant with God.  Israel's history of departure demonstrated their propensity to wickedness.   They had lost their right to the land because of their sin.  Hopefully, this covenant would safeguard against future departures.   Their resolve: we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

A temple has tremendous significance in Bible parlance.  Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s temple, and Herod’s temple represented the presence of God among the people.  The New Testament takes the word to a deeper spiritual meaning.  Those redeemed by Christ are a “holy temple in the Lord”. (Ephesians 2:21)  Their body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit”. (I Corinthians 6:19)  Because they are God’s house, they enjoy the great blessing of His presence.  

Just like Israel, Christians are tempted with worldliness and unbelief.  Thus, they are in need of a revival.  Our times of renewal must include the resolve to give diligence to caring for our spiritual house.  We must separate ourselves from the world’s entanglements, and fill the house with activities of heaven.

How are the walls of your spiritual life?  Bring your offerings to the storeroom,  join in with the singers of Israel, and do not neglect the house of our God.  (Nehemiah 10:39)

By George Slover

Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts,“On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.”

God has a book of remembrance written before him. Those who have devoted their lives to God are stored up in God's memory, awaiting the day of judgment.

A day of reckoning is identified by the prophet. It will be a time when God separates the righteous from the wicked! Who will be in God's book of remembrance? Who will find themselves among God's special treasures?

God says, “On the day that I make them My jewels”. “Jewels”, a feminine noun meaning a personal possession is one of the most and exciting descriptions of God's relationship with his people. The unique position of the people of God has so many exciting implications. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” (1 Peter 2:9)  These are Gods people!

It is humbling to think that God would regard anyone as his treasure. Sin and rebellion abound. Yet, God loved man enough to provide a way. In the midst of wickedness, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Abraham was called God's friend, Israel was his special treasure, Paul was his Apostle, and we can be his own special people. The marvel of it all!

Every individual in this world has the potential of being one of God's treasures. Through the blood of Christ they can be forgiven. By the power of his word and providence, God can take the “diamond in the rough” and shape it into something very special.

By George Slover