Bible Pathways - Aug. 27, 2006

Jeremiah 45

In Today's Reading:

Jeremiah's message to Baruch; judgment against Egypt, Philistia, and Moab

Among all the prophecies of Jeremiah, the Lord included a personal message to just one man, Baruch, Jeremiah's discontented assistant. Thus saith the LORD . . . unto thee, O Baruch; Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest (Jeremiah 45:2-3). Perhaps he had hoped that his service as a scribe would be a means of achieving personal ambitions and recognition, or other self-serving goals. Baruch's grandfather Maaseiah had been governor of Jerusalem during Josiah's reign (32:12; II Chronicles 34:8). Did Baruch secretly think he was "overqualified" to be a mere scribe to an unpopular prophet?

Instead of rewards, or even words of sympathy for his frustrations, Baruch received a strong rebuke from the Lord: Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not (Jeremiah 45:5).

Baruch expressed no heartfelt grief regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple of God or the pitiful slavery of the people, as Jeremiah had foretold. Instead, he only expressed sorrow over his own lack of personal fulfillment.

Although Baruch was recording the Word of God spoken through Jeremiah, he did not have the spiritual concern or insight of the prophet. Jeremiah was deeply concerned for the people, desiring that they repent of their sins and avoid the coming judgment and destruction. Baruch should have considered it a great privilege to be a coworker in Jeremiah's ministry.

Our time and talents are precious treasures invested in us by the God of all creation to accomplish His will through us. True fulfillment comes only when we recognize that God has arranged the circumstances in our lives. Baruch is typical of those who are dissatisfied with their circumstances or their position of less esteem than they think they deserve. In contrast are those whom God can use because they realize that godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6; also Hebrews 13:5-6).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who corrects His people (Jeremiah 46:28). Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth (disciplines), and scourgeth (whips) every son whom He receiveth (Hebrews 12:6).

Word Studies:

46:4 brigandines =b> armor; 46:11 daughter =b> people; 48:2 cut down =b> perish; 48:10 deceitfully =b> negligently; halfheartedly; 48:19 espy =b> watch; 48:41 Kerioth is =b> Cities are.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Official: Rep. Marion Berry (AR) · Country: Iran (65 million) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Farsi and Turki · Hostile to all Christian activity · 98% Muslim; .4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: If we ask anything agreeing with His will, He both hears and answers (I John 5:14-15).

Optional Reading: Revelation 1

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 100:5