SEEK NOT GREAT THINGS FOR YOURSELF!
SEEK GOD!
(And great things will follow)
(Jer 45)
Baruch was Jeremiah’s personal secretary and scribe. His name means ‘Blessing’.
Baruch came from a good, wealthy family. His grandfather was the governor of Jerusalem. He could have spent his life pursuing pleasure, social status or wealth. But he chose to be the prophet’s assistant. Because of his close association with Jeremiah, he shared in his troubles; he was persecuted, insulted and beaten up. He was faithful to his mentor unto death, following him into exile, in Egypt, where both died. He was a man of faith. He is a true hero and an inspiration to many young believers!

Here we see Baruch complaining about his troubled life. ‘Woe to me!’ His complaint is that with all his faithfulness and love for God, his life is still not easy. In particular he complains about the fact that he has found no rest. The word in Hebrew means a settled (married) life, peace and comfort. We know that God forbade Jeremiah to marry. It is possible that Baruch was also a bachelor for many years, to be able to follow and take care of his older master.
Many years have passed and now, he is tempted to regret the loss of wealth and social status he could have had, if it was not for his commitment to God and to Jeremiah. He longs for marriage, a happy home with wife and children. This is a natural desire for all men.
Now, the devil reminds him of what he had lost, and tempts him to backslide, to go to the world, where life seems easier.
Then God speaks directly to Baruch telling him not to seek these ‘great things for himself’. God confirms to him the message he had given to Jeremiah that He will judge the land and punish the people for their sins. God says that war is not the time to settle down. God’s judgment comes on a stubborn nation. He has sent His messengers, the prophets, including his own mentor Jeremiah, to warn the people to repent, but they rejected them. Now they will be sent into exile, so there is no need to dream about comfort in this world. But then, God promises Baruch that even in the midst of the horrors of war, natural disaster, terrorists’ attacks, kidnappers and armed robberies…he will not die an untimely death. The promise is that his life shall be a trophy to him. In the midst of it all, if he seeks God, his life will become more fruitful and more fulfilled. The word ‘life’ here means the appetite, the passion and joy of living; the contentment, fulfillment and the purpose of life hidden in Christ. The word also means revival.
What are the lessons for us?
*God always judges sin!
*God’s people are not always protected when God’s judgment comes, because of unrepentant sin. This is ‘an unfair’ type of suffering because of the sin of another.
*God’s people should not grumble when they suffer, for God knows and God sees all things
*Do not seek great things in this world for yourself! Be careful about the sin of self-pity and hidden ambition which shall be disappointed and ends in depression and bitterness. Ambition makes you to be impatient and angry with God!
*In the midst of the storms of life, God rewards His people with a clearer revelation of Himself, increased faith, a fresh purpose in life and a grateful heart.
*Seek God and all the great things you desire shall follow! (Mt 6:33)
In Jesus name,
Amen!