1 The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: 2 “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe is me! For the Lord has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ 4 Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.”
Jeremiah 45:1-5
Did you know that the prophet Jeremiah had a right-hand man, Baruch? When the Southern Kingdom Judah was about to fall, Jeremiah proclaimed God’s judgment, and the king of Judah imprisoned Jeremiah. Baruch was a scribe who wrote down the words spoken by Jeremiah in prison. He then read them out before the people. In fact, Baruch knew that he would be killed at any time by doing so! But he still faithfully did what Jeremiah instructed him to do! He was Jeremiah’s life-and-death comrade!
Jeremiah chapter 45 is a special chapter of the Bible dedicated to the man Baruch.
God heard Baruch’s cry and knew his sorrows and pains, but God declared that God built, and he was breaking down! He planted, and he was plucking up! God is the sovereign and almighty God who does what he decides, and we live by his grace! Do we understand the meaning of this sentence? He is God!
God told Baruch not to seek any great things for himself because disaster will come to the whole earth! God gave Baruch a significant promise! God promised Baruch that he would be able to keep his life!
After the war was won, people looted and grabbed anything as their war prize! They show off to people what has been taken captive after the victory! God gave Baruch his own life. Let him also show off in front of people! When Baruch preached God’s words, he had many enemies. People tried to murder him, but His life is with God!
What are we proud of today? Our achievements? Our properties? Our children? Our spouse? No matter what danger Baruch faced, he knew that one thing he could boast about was the life God gave him! No one could take it away! So Jeremiah 45 is not merely a chapter to Baruch. It’s God’s word to you and me!
Prayer: Lord, when the world is at war, we don’t know what may happen tomorrow. Grant us the courage to preach your words! Knowing that you grant us life that no one can take away! I give thanks for my life in you!
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