745_God’s view of our backsliding (Jeremiah 2:1-3:5)
Jeremiah 2:11 Has a nation changed its gods,
even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
for that which does not profit.
12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
13 for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Robert Murray McCheyne once wrote, “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.” That is wise counsel, because when we spend all our time looking at ourselves, we either become discouraged by our failures or proud of our achievements. But gazing on Christ teaches us to see ourselves as He sees us. In Jeremiah’s first sermon, the Lord shows His people their spiritual condition. As we begin to see life from his perspective, we discover not only the seriousness of backsliding, but also the tenderness of the heart of God that is wounded by the unfaithfulness of His people.
This is Jeremiah’s first public message. The Lord speaks with the tenderness of a husband, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown” (Jeremiah 2:2, ESV). In those early days after the Exodus, Israel trusted Him completely. Led through the dreadful wilderness, without cities, crops, or visible security, they simply followed the pillar of fire and light wherever it led. God even says, “Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of his harvest” (2:3). They were His treasured possession, set apart for Himself.
It is likely that in our own lives there was a time when Christ was all in all. Speaking with him was a constant delight rather than a duty. The Scriptures filled us with joy. Worship was heartfelt, and obedience our greatest desire. The Lord remembers those with delight, even when we have forgotten them ourselves.
And therefore, with great sorrow, the Lord asks a question that echoes through the centuries: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me?” (Jeremiah 2:5). Had He ever broken a promise? Had He ever abandoned his people? Had He ever failed to provide? Obviously, the reason for the wandering of the Israelites was not God’s unfaithfulness.
The Lord describes this sin in unforgettable words: “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13). Sin is never simply turning away from God; it is always turning toward something else. Israel abandoned the fountain of living water, fresh and pure and endlessly satisfying, for something which could not even hold water, much less supply it.
Through the ages, men have looked to careers, possessions, entertainment, success, luxury, relationships, or even ministry itself to satisfy the deepest longings of their hearts. None of these things are necessarily wrong, but if they are used for this purpose, they are idols. And every idol is a broken cistern that eventually disappoints. In contrast, the Lord declared, “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever” (John 4:14).
The Lord looks back at the beginning of Israel’s history. “Yet I planted you a choice vine, wholly of pure seed. How then have you turned degenerate and become a wild vine?” (Jeremiah 2:21). Beginning with Abraham, God had planted, protected, and nourished His people with perfect care. Nothing was lacking on His part. Yet the vine produced wild fruit. The Gardener was not at fault; the problem lay with the vine.
Likewise, the Lord has given us His Word, His Holy Spirit, the fellowship of His people, and countless expressions of His grace. We cannot blame the Gardener for the barrenness of our lives, or for the poisonous fruit of our hearts. All we can do is recognize humbly that we have been disloyal to our Master, lazy and uncommitted to him. And therefore, our hearts have drifted from him.
In Jeremiah’s time, the corruption had spread through every level of society. Kings, priests, prophets, and officials had all turned away from God. Instead of leading people to the Lord, they encouraged idolatry. And God mocks them: “Who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth'” (Jeremiah 2:27). Human beings fashioned these idols with their own hands, then bowed before them as their creators. And when trouble came, they cried out for deliverance. God replies with piercing irony: “Where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you” (2:28).
This is still the way sin works. We build our own security and delight, thinking they will bring us fulfilment and happiness. But they cannot save us when life becomes stormy. Only the living God remains faithful in the day of trouble.
And the loving, faithful God laments: “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number” (Jeremiah 2:32). A bride never forgets her wedding dress which symbolizes the glory and beauty of the relationship she is entering into. It would seem just as impossible for God’s redeemed people to forget their Redeemer, Sustainer, and Defender. Yet God’s people had forgotten the One who loved them with an everlasting love – though God never forgot them.
Backsliding rarely starts with open rebellion. It begins when we turn our attention from God towards other things that promise instant gratification. Prayer becomes less frequent. Scripture is neglected. Worship becomes routine. We become occupied with many good things while forgetting the God who is our very life.
Confronted with overwhelming evidence, Israel insisted, “I am innocent.” Their conscience had become hardened. They no longer recognized their own condition. This is one of the greatest dangers of backsliding. The farther we drift from God, the less aware we become that we have drifted. Real revival begins only when we stop defending ourselves and begin confessing our sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Finally, the Lord compares Israel to an unfaithful wife who has pursued many lovers. Humanly speaking, such a relationship would seem beyond restoration. Yet God asks, “You have played the whore with many lovers; and would you return to me?” (Jeremiah 3:1). The question reveals both the depth of Israel’s sin and the astonishing greatness of God’s mercy. Though deeply wounded by their betrayal, His desire is still to restore them. This is covenant love—a love that does not excuse sin, yet continues to call the sinner back to righteousness.
The people responded with beautiful words but unchanged hearts. They called Him, “My Father, you are the friend of my youth,” but the Lord answered, “Behold, you have spoken, but you have done all the evil that you could” (Jeremiah 3:4–5). Their lips expressed devotion, but their lives contradicted it. God does not want the tokens of outward religion alone. He desires hearts that truly return to Him.
Let us make sure that we have not made this disastrous exchange. Let us not allow something else – good or bad – to replace Christ in our hearts. Let us never be content with outward Christianity while inwardly drifting away from Him.
The God who grieved over Israel grieves over every sinner. The greatest joy of heaven is in every repentant sinner through Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd still seeks wandering sheep. The Bridegroom still longs for a faithful bride. If we have wandered, the way back is not through excuses but through repentance. Let us return and discover once again the joy of walking closely with the God who has never stopped loving us. God bless.
Reflection Questions
What “broken cisterns” am I depending on today instead of drawing my satisfaction and security from the Lord?
In what ways has my love for Christ changed since I first came to know Him, and what might God be inviting me to renew?
What practical step of repentance or renewed obedience can I take this week to return to the Fountain of Living Waters?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me with an everlasting love and for never giving up on me even when I wander. Forgive me for the times I have forsaken You and sought satisfaction in things that can never truly satisfy. Help me to recognize the broken cisterns I have trusted instead of You. Draw my heart back to You, the Fountain of Living Waters. Restore my first love for Christ, renew my fellowship with You, and give me the grace to walk in faithful obedience each day. May my repentance be genuine, my devotion wholehearted, and my life bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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