“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13).

Jeremiah was called to warn the people “that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain” (v.5). In spite of God’s provision and obvious leading the people of Israel lost their way and drifted into idolatry “But when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit” (vv.7,8).

Our text informs us of two mistakes. First, while drifting away from God, they forgot their source of life. “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1). In like manner we frequently forget our source. “Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water” (John 4:10).

Secondly, the people stored precious resources in leaky vessels. They worked hard, but in vain. “Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things, Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things” (Deuteronomy 28:47,48). Are we found thirsting after righteousness? Are we storing our works in heavenly places? Or have we joined those who are defiling His land and heritage? KBC