Jeremiah 13  The Lord tells Jeremiah to go buy a new linen waistband... then He tells him to take it down by the Euphrates and hide it in a crevice.  Later, the Lord tells him to go get it.. and it is completely ruined.  This was to illustrate clearly how the Lord saw Judah.. 

"For as a waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me, declares the Lord, that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they did not listen." 

The waistband was ruined and destroyed.. "Thus says the Lord, 'Just so will I destroy the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.'"  They refused to bow before the Lord.. to listen to His words.  They "walked in the stubbornness of their hearts.. " So, now they were like the ruined waistband.. "worthless."

Pride.  It makes men think that they can do whatever they want and that God doesn't see. It makes them think that they do not have to be sorry for their sin.. for the pain they cause others.. or for thinking only of themselves above all else.  "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopards his spots? Then you also can do good who are accustomed to doing evil."  Because they had forgotten God and trusted in lies.. so wicked they couldn't stop doing evil.. so far from God's desire for them.. they would be "wholly carried into exile."

God would not show compassion or pity to this people any longer.  Jeremiah could only "sob in secret for such pride."  How could a people meant for such glory.. become a people destined for destruction? 

They forgot God.  They exalted themselves. 

Our own country is heading in the same direction as Judah.  "Give glory to the Lord your God, before He brings darkness." (v16)  May God help us turn around!

Father in heaven,  You alone are God and we are yearning for the moving of Your Holy Spirit .. to bring revival to our churches and our land. May Your Name once again be exalted and revered and cherished in our country. Forgive us, Lord.. for wickedness that is becoming more and more ingrained in the culture of our world.  Free us from the evil one's intentions. Deliver us and revive us. Let those who call on the Name of Jesus lift up our voices and proclaim the good news of salvation while we can. We cling to You, Lord God.. as the waistband clings to the waist of a man. Open our ears to listen.. and to never forget You. We come with humble hearts.. in Jesus' name . Amen.