"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}

God's people were guilty of two grievous sins before Him. First, they had forsaken Him. Following the crossing of the Red Sea, they needed food and water. God supplied their needs, Exodus 16:4; 17:6-8. Going into the Promise land God gave them the blessed assurance of complete victory, Joshua 1:5. How did they return His gracious blessings? They forsook him! How?

Leaving people in the land and making covenants with them. Intermarrying with nations God had forbidden. Leaving the groves, high places and groves to the false gods in the land. All His commands on these areas were not heeded. Thus they forsook Him for their own counsel.

Second, they had turned to other gods to offer worship. Through them they sought strength, hope and help. What did they find when they came to quench their thirst at these gods? Nothing but an "empty bucket with a false bottom," which could hold no water! "Living water" was rejected for something which could not measure up. God had promised to be with them, Joshua 1:9.

All advantages were truly on their side. God had put them in a position to live in a land that "flowed with milk and honey." What more could they need? What had God asked from them in return for these wonderful blessings?

"That you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the LORD God of your fathers has promised you-'a land flowing with milk and honey." {Deuteronomy 6:2,3}

How could they even believe these goods of wood, stone or clay could compare with the God of heaven? How silly, right?

Yet, how many of us are doing the same thing? Business, recreation, sports, family and money are being placed as "idols" before us! True, these things are not wrong but when placed ahead of God, it makes them wrong!

Let us guard that we don't commit these two evils in our day. What say ye?