Jeremiah 45:1-5
flashback – ch.44 ends in Egypt some time after fall of Jerusalem, this takes place later in year from Jer. 36 when Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah’s first scroll piece by piece. Hear about Baruch 20+ times throughout book, only hear from him once when answered princes after reading scroll second time to them. Portrayed as faithful secretary who served God and Jeremiah, carefully recording words dictated to him. Did so only to see hard work literally go up in smoke. Then heard words from God… take another scroll… write it all down… again. Didn’t have advantage of autopen to write for him, not surprise if developed massive case of writer’s cramp.
Is a shock 45 chapters in to be told Baruch had other things on his mind than taking dictation. Seems he also had aspirations to other things yet he continued in appointed role until the end. Really like each of us, living in present and unable to reliably see even tomorrow. Also, like us, subject to discouragement in especially trying times. And they were days filled with much to break not only Jeremiah’s heart but Baruch’s also. He and Jeremiah both had love for God and country, grieved when neighbors persisted in rebelling against a good God.
Have opportunity here to see a little of what was behind Baruch’s public / professional face, realize there was nearly same level of emotion in writing down words as in speaking them. Also opportunity to see God’s gracious kindness toward Baruch. God met Baruch where he was but didn’t leave him there, powerful lesson for all who know his story.
A. Baruch’s complaint v.1-3
the “silent one” spoke
first 36 chapters result of Baruch’s rewriting second edition – remaining chapters those things added later as foretold 36:32
except for occasional public appearance when sent on errands by Jeremiah, spends rest of time carrying out secretarial duties
his complaint / lament worthy of those in Psalms and other prophets describing profound depth of grief and sorrow and pain
Baruch in difficult spot – at least heard prophecy and wrote it down; might have heard Jeremiah preach it, then dictate as he wrote – could have heard prophecies of doom several times, felt weight of what God threatened
overcome with hopelessness
certainly clear when Jehoiakim destroyed scroll: something must change in attitudes from king on down to avert disaster
in mingling w/ common folk, hearing words of religious leaders, reports from palace, could come up with nothing to encourage
knows what God has said: do this or else – absolutely no wiggle room – knew God wouldn’t change his mind, no apparent “revival” happening that would satisfy God
getting same kind of indication from Jeremiah, no light at end of tunnel other than freight train of God’s just wrath on sinners
God heard
whether complained in Jeremiah’s hearing or not, God was listening and determined to respond – another time when “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.”
God didn’t rebuke Baruch for complaining, indicating sorrowing and suffering for right reasons – concern for his people
also didn’t dismiss Baruch’s lament, tell him not to worry – received it as was intended, gave serious answer in return
like often true, probably not answer Baruch wanted to hear or amount of detail would have liked, he is satisfied now seeing more of God’s plan and his place in it
B. God’s answer v.4
he’s still in control
God’s response first draws Baruch’s attention to God and away from current situation – he is God, has done will do as he said
identifies himself as YHWH, personal name, covenant name, making clear he is same faithful God to his people as always
is true even when he both promises hard things and does them – doesn’t mean he has turned against his people, in fact they turned against God by worshiping idols
he is keeping his promise (1:10)
reminds Baruch of what he wrote at beginning of scroll, that rebellious would be torn down, plucked up, in whole land
is what Baruch has seen happen and will continue until all God’s purpose is met – would be clear God was one making it happen
but… notice carefully closing words of God’s promise: “To root out and to pull down, To destroy and to throw down, To build and to plant.”
God would surely bring judgment and destruction on his people – he would also in his time and way build and plant
he protects his own (1:19)
already promised to Jeremiah “I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.” – will extend same promise of protection to Baruch in future
God not indiscriminate in carrying out judgment – same situation that is judgment for some is instead purification for others
God shows by care of Ebed-Melech and Baruch along with Jeremiah that individuals who trust him don’t get lost in big picture
C. Baruch’s future v.5
great things?
seems Baruch had some aspirations God didn’t plan for him – not told exactly what, described by God as “great things for yourself”
since God restated his purpose to bring disaster on all humanity, perhaps Baruch hoped he and Jeremiah get credit for turning the tide for Jewish people
God’s purpose for Baruch and anyone else: faithfully do your best at performing task / filling role God has given to you
I wonder if Baruch thought his name / reputation / accomplishments would be known by millions world over for 2500+ years… as well as his thumb print
only temporal
for one with ambition, serving in shadow of great prophet like Jeremiah might be difficult, always known as the assistant
apparently kinds of “great things” Baruch had in mind not what would survive this life – better served by pursuing God’s plan
Jesus addresses this: Matt. 6:33 “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
God cares about life
would not only deliver from harm, would continue to protect it for remainder of his life w/o regard for place of residence
especially important in light of Jer 44.14 “none of the remnant of Judah who have gone into the land of Egypt to dwell there shall escape or survive”
God guarantees that Baruch would be among the few who survive going to Egypt – he should plan to use gift of life to best of ability for God’s glory
Whether our calling is to role in shadows or more prominent place of service, be sure of this: whatever we might aspire to, God has something for us that is as good or better. We can also be sure whether we understand or not, God cares about each one as individual and provides generously. What greater gift or blessing is there than life? Not just life for this life but for always. And it includes additional blessings we could never imagine.
Reformanda 