Jeremiah 2:13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
In today’s passage we dive into the Old Testament in the book of Jeremiah. Our focus for today will be to explore a comparison between the spring of living water and broken cisterns. While technically not a name or title, the spring of living water is a descriptive metaphor used to describe our God.
Without God we are empty. Jeremiah describes it as broken cisterns that we have dug for ourselves. A cistern is like a well. It is a waterproof container that is used to store liquids. They differ from wells only because a cistern is typically used to collect fresh water, usually rainwater, rather than being sourced from the ground. In ancient times, cisterns were dig into the earth or carved from rock. And due to the regions the ancient Israelites inhabited, fresh water was vital to their survival. Having a broken or cracked cistern was not good and every Israelite would fully understand the comparison.
The comparison was made between the cistern and the spring of living water, God. It was an illustration given to show the people that they had gone astray and were not living lives that were pleasing to God. It was meant as a rebuke to help them see that they needed to make change in their lives and to once again draw from the true Source of life giving water, from our God. He alone provides for our spiritual nourishment and sustains us in our walk. Twice in the New Testament Jesus spoke of living water. The first was the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). And the second was in reference to the Spirit that they would receive later (John 7).
For believers of today, are you digging empty cisterns in hopes of life giving sustenance? Or are you seeking Him and all He can provide for you? He is the Source of living water that should fill our reserves. Seek Him today and be filled.
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