Bible Pathways - Aug. 27, 2009

August 27

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Remember Genesis 12:3? Through Jeremiah, God sends a special word for the nation of Egypt (chap. 46); Philistia (chap. 47); and Moab (chap. 48).

Among all the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning the great nations of the world, the Holy Spirit led him to write one chapter to his assistant Baruch. He is typical of many who are dissatisfied and often frustrated with having to take a lesser position than they think they deserve — not realizing that promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another (Ps. 75:5-7). Baruch's grandfather, Maaseiah, was governor of Jerusalem during King Josiah's reign (Jer. 32:12; II Chr. 34:8). Perhaps Baruch assumed he was "overqualified" to be merely a scribe. and Baruch was seeking greater things for himself. In contrast, Jeremiah would not accept the rewards offered him by Nebuchadnezzar. The greatest fulfillment in Baruch's life should have been the privilege of assisting Jeremiah, the prophet of God (Jer. 36:4).

Instead, we learn that Baruch was seeking fulfillment in self-centered pursuits. While working with Jeremiah, he expressed no grief about the pitiful tragedies that were coming upon the kingdom of Judah or the suffering of the people in Jerusalem. But we do read of his personal dissatisfaction: Woe is me now! for the Lord hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest (45:3), meaning "I find no personal fulfillment." Perhaps he expected sympathy; instead, he received a strong rebuke from the Lord: Seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest (45:5).

Strange as it may seem, Baruch — although recording the inspired Word of God — did not consider the spiritual importance of being a servant of the Lord as did Jeremiah, whose one thought was to see the Lord exalted. What a precious privilege he had of being like Elisha serving Elijah. How sad that like Gehazi, Baruch's concerns were only for himself.

Our time and our talents are among the most valuable treasures we possess. They belong to the Lord, as well as all our influence and abilities. And true lasting fulfillment comes only as they are given back to Him to serve His goals for our lives. Jesus declared: Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it (Matt. 16:25).

Thought for Today:

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise (Prov. 11:30).

Christ Revealed:

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

Word Studies:

46:4 brigandines = armor; 46:11 daughter = people; 48:2 be cut down =perish; 48:10 deceitfully = negligently; halfheartedly; 48:19 espy = match; 48:41 Kerioth is = cities are.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Official: Rep. Marion Berry (AR) • Country: Belgium (10.2 million) in northwestern Europe • Major languages: Flemish and French • Religious freedom • 74% Catholic; 3% Muslim; 1% Protestant; .5% Orthodox; 20% Secular Humanism; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Ps. 9:11).

Optional Reading: Revelation 1

Memory Verse for the Week:Matthew 10:33