Links for today’s readings:
Aug 19 Read: Jeremiah 13 Listen: (4:11) Read: Galatians 4 Listen: (4:13)
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 13:7–10
7 So I went to Perath and dug up the belt and took it from the place where I had hidden it, but now it was ruined and completely useless.
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 9 “This is what the Lord says: ‘In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem. 10 These wicked people, who refuse to listen to my words, who follow the stubbornness of their hearts and go after other gods to serve and worship them, will be like this belt—completely useless!
Reflection: Burn Out, Rust Out, or Rot Out?
By Erin Newton
There was a saying I heard in seminary: Better to burn out than rust out. A friend would quip: “But either way, you’re out.”
The saying was meant to encourage people to enter ministry with passion and fervor. The saying helped keep the flames of motivation going when long years of service weighed you down. The contrasting negative option was the picture of doing nothing—either through laziness or apathy. Those people rusted. Obviously, fire sounds cooler than oxidation. Duh.
Yet the friend’s retort was telling: Neither ash heaps or rust are helpful tools.
Then there’s a third image of being “out”—Jeremiah’s depiction of the rotten linen belt.
Linen is a fiber, one we tend to relate to for its coolness, comfort, sturdiness, and breathability. But it’s a natural fiber which means it’s of this earth—from dust it came and to dust it shall return. (Which in its purest state means it won’t leave pollutants in creation.)
While linen can start decomposing within weeks, this belt is meant to be purposefully worn. Belts are utilitarian. Belts are secured to their wearer.
Israel and her pride were this belt. But they had turned to worshiping other gods. They became stubborn and neglected their duties. The purpose and utility they were supposed to perform were tossed aside. So God says he will bury this belt. To dust it will return. When it is dug up, it’ll be tattered and weak—useless.
So now I amend that seminary saying: You can burn out, rust out, or rot out—but either way you’re out. What’s the better solution? Even if you aren’t in ministry. What if you’re just trying to live your life in a way that honors Christ?
Burning out might look flashy and impressive, but there is purpose to retreating and relaxing. Some might assume you can only fight fire with fire, but we know that water will also do the trick.
Rusting out from apathy is truly shameful. Laziness is not any better. I guess rust is still our lesser preference.
Rotting out would be to deny our call, forsake our God, and refuse to change. The rusty ones might not be too helpful but they are still faithful. Rotting out is the bottom of the list.
What should we do instead?
Look out – for God’s direction.
Cry out – for God’s wisdom.
Work out – our salvation with fear and trembling.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive us our sins, for your name’s sake. — Psalm 79.9
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: A Neglected Garment
Let us consider ourselves with sober judgment. Do we treat our status under Jesus with disdain? Neglect? Pride?
Read more: Why the Cross?
Why the cross?…people express discomfort with the cross. “Isn’t it gross?” “Isn’t it violent?”
