Jeremiah 45
-The message to Baruch the son of
Neriah, who helped Jeremiah write down his words from God and deliver them to
important audiences, is recounted in this short, but powerful, chapter of
Scripture. Baruch had had an unpopular ministry being the helper of the
lamenting prophet and barrier of bad news from the Almighty almost constantly.
His cries are apparent from the word of the LORD in verse three, “Ah woe is me!
For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning and have
found no rest.” God told Jeremiah to tell the weary scribe that He was about to
tear down what He had built up and uproot what He had planted, that is, the
entire land (Jeremiah 45:4). In other words, this was not easy for God as well.
He had been the designer for this Promised Land, and the rejection of His people
leading to His discipline was indeed painful and gut-wrenching. Then the LORD
in His wisdom points out the real heart issue here, “But you (Baruch), are you
seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to
bring disaster on all flesh, but I will give your life to you as booty in all
the places where you may go (Jeremiah 45:5).” *Application* Baruch’s long and
unpopular service with the prophet of the LORD had left him dissatisfied and
upset. God told the frustrated one to take his eyes off of himself and whatever
rewards he thought he deserved for his difficult service. God’s promise was to
protect him even in tribulation. It is easy to lose our joy in serving our God
when we take our eyes off of Him (Hebrews 12:1-2). The more we look away from
God’s real purposes toward our own misery in sacrificial service, the more
frustrated we will become in life. As you become a servant of the most high
LORD, beware of setting your affections in the right direction. Don’t focus on
what you are giving up; instead, look at Him who is the author and completer of
your faith. When you find yourself frustrated and having a pity party for
yourself, confess it to the Father, which means to agree with Him on the matter
and receive His forgiveness. Then, move forward in unbridled joy even if there
is pain in the offering.
Verse to Memorize: Jeremiah 45:5
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