Jeremiah 45:1-5
“This is what Jeremiah told Baruch one day in the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign as he was taking dictation from the prophet: - ’These are the words of GOD, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch. You say, ‘These are bad times for me! It’s one thing after another. GOD is piling on the pain. I’m worn out and there’s no end in sight.’ - ’But GOD says, ‘Look around. What I’ve built I’m about to wreck, and what I’ve planted I’m about to rip up. And I’m doing it everywhere—all over the whole earth! So forget about making any big plans for yourself. Things are going to get worse before they get better. But don’t worry. I’ll keep you alive through the whole business.’’”
“The prophet Jeremiah gave a message to Baruch son of Neriah in the fourth year of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, after Baruch had written down everything Jeremiah had dictated to him. He said, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You have said, ‘I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the LORD has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.’ ‘Baruch, this is what the LORD says: ‘I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted. Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!’‘”
God is the perfect parent to Baruch in these verses. Baruch must have thrilled at learning God knew and noticed him, as he did his boss the prophet. It must have been good to hear from God’s mouth he would survive the coming catastrophe. This promise gave Baruch hope. More importantly God’s word gave him something to trust in. Baruch’s body may waste away with stress and famine, but his faith would grow by bounds. Though a lowly scribe, Almighty God knew him personally and had plans for him.
Before Christ came ordinary folks had to muddle through the best they could because God’s Spirit resided only in prophets, priests and kings. I who have God’s Spirit for the asking cannot imagine what this was like. God gave Baruch, an ordinary Israelite, promise of survival. It was something to hang his hat of faith upon. Baruch’s future gave reason for this lesson in faith and so was a blessing itself.
Oh Lord! Grant me faith as you did Baruch. Help me to trust you when things fall apart. May I walk in confidence, knowing your light illuminates my path and you are always with me.