Introduction
The book of Jeremiah contains prophecies and messages from God given through the prophet Jeremiah prior to and during the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Chapter 45 specifically contains a short but poignant message given by Jeremiah to his scribe and assistant Baruch.
This chapter provides important truths for believers today on trusting in God’s sovereign plan during times of hardship and struggle. Though the message was originally given to Baruch over 2600 years ago, the principles contained herein can encourage and strengthen Christians facing difficulties in life.
Key Takeaways
- God is in control of all circumstances, even when they are difficult or painful
- We should not focus on our own ambitions and plans but trust in God’s greater purpose
- God cares for His people and will preserve the faithful remnant
- Finding contentment in God’s will brings peace in the midst of turmoil
- God’s plans will prevail over man’s schemes in His perfect timing
Commentary
Historical Background
The events of chapter 45 occur in the fourth year of Jehoiakim’s reign over Judah, around 605-604 BC (Jeremiah 36:1). This places the message prior to the first Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC, but several years after Jeremiah’s initial prophecies of coming judgment.
Baruch served as Jeremiah’s scribe, recording the messages from God that Jeremiah dictated. He was also a trusted friend and assistant to the prophet. Baruch would read aloud Jeremiah’s prophecies to the people at the temple on occasions when Jeremiah himself was restricted from going (Jeremiah 36:4-6).
In chapter 36, after King Jehoiakim burns the scroll containing Jeremiah’s prophecies, God tells Jeremiah to simply take another scroll and dictate His words again (Jeremiah 36:27-28). So Baruch is called upon once more to faithfully transcribe this difficult message of judgment for the people.
Jeremiah’s Message to Baruch
This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: You said, “Woe to me! The LORD has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.” (Jeremiah 45:2-3)
Baruch has clearly been lamenting over the difficult task the Lord has called him to. God’s message through Jeremiah contains words of rebuke for Baruch’s complaints.
Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the LORD, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life. (Jeremiah 45:5)
Baruch seems to have been focused on his own reputation and ambition. But God essentially tells him to stop seeking personal glory and status. He has been called to a difficult task for God’s greater purposes.
At the same time, God shows compassion on Baruch by promising to preserve his life through the coming disasters. Baruch simply needs to trust in God’s sovereignty and take comfort that his life is ultimately in God’s hands.
Lessons for Today
God is sovereign over all circumstances. Nothing happens outside of God’s ultimate control. He told Jeremiah, “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). God’s sovereignty was at work even through pagan kings and armies to bring His purposes to pass (Jeremiah 25:9).
When we face difficulties in life, we can take comfort knowing that God is allowing these things for His greater plan. As Joseph told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
We should seek God’s will over our own ambitions. Baruch seemed focused on his own reputation and success. But God reminded Him that only the Lord’s plans would prevail. As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
As Christians, our focus should not be on personal comfort, popularity, or earthly success. Rather, we must trust God’s greater purposes, even when they lead down difficult paths. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).
God cares for His faithful people. To Baruch, God promised safety in the coming disaster. Jesus assured His disciples, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29).
God preserves and cares for those who faithfully walk with Him, even through suffering. As Peter wrote, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Finding contentment in God’s will brings peace. By questioning and complaining, Baruch forfeited peace and contentment. As Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation” (Philippians 4:11-12).
When we trust God’s plan and find contentment in His purpose, we can have joy and peace even in the midst of suffering. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).
God’s plans will prevail over man’s schemes. Through Jeremiah, God declared that He would bring disaster on all people. No one can thwart the sovereign Lord’s purposes. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please’” (Isaiah 46:10).
We can find peace and security in the fact that God’s plans cannot be stopped or overturned. Man makes his plans, “but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). God’s perfect will shall prevail.
Conclusion
Though Jeremiah’s message to Baruch was brief, it contained profound truths that we as Christians can apply to our lives even today. When we face trials, we must trust in God’s sovereign plan. We should put His will above our own desires and ambitions. We can take comfort knowing that God cares for His people and will preserve the faithful. And we can find peace when we trust God’s purposes, even when life takes us down difficult paths. God’s plans will accomplish His perfect will in His perfect timing.
Just as Baruch was called to faithfully transcribe and proclaim Jeremiah’s difficult prophecies, we are called to trust and obey God, even when it requires personal sacrifice. May this passage encourage us to find contentment in God’s will and to trust His greater purposes in all things.
