Jeremiah was told by God to rewrite the scroll that King Jehoiakim had burned. God said, “Get another scroll, and write everything again just as you did on the scroll King Jehoiakim burned.” There was an additional message to the king specifically telling him what to expect for his foolishness of burning the initial scroll. It was warning the people of Judah of the disasters God promised, for they would not listen nor wanted to change their ways.
So Jeremiah dictated again to his scribe, Baruch and he wrote everything that had been on the initial scroll, only this time he added much more! God was more than fair in providing all of Judah the opportunity to repent.
In Chapter 45 of Jeremiah, we find Jeremiah giving a message to his scribe, Baruch who had been serving the very unpopular prophet. He wrote his book of struggles and judgments, so he had first-hand information directed from God to the people of Judah. Yet, we find that he was upset.
Jeremiah told him, “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!'”
Personally, I can sympathize with Baruch. I, too, have had such feelings of “woe is me!” The “woe’s” can make the load seem heavy at times; people don’t seem to understand nor care. “Can’t they see what I’m going through? Why me? I’m just not appreciated!” Sound familiar? Ask yourself these two questions: “Who am I serving?” and “What do I expect?” It is just plain foolishness and frankly selfishness to the max! And, we should consider ourselves fortunate to recognize such self-absorption before it’s too late! We don’t “do for God, to get something back”! We do it because of our commitment and gratitude for the hope He has given us!
These “woe’s” I have discovered occur when we take our eyes off of God and focus on ourselves. We start to lose the joy in serving God. Eventually, as we look away from God’s purposes toward our own sacrifices, and self-denial we become more resentful. So, I can relate to the “funk” that Baruch found himself in. And, he was quite fortunate to have his “reality check” directly from God.
I’m fortunate to have family, friends and brethren in the faith who stand by me and encourage me and tell me I need to “chill” stay focused and repent! I have the exceptional privilege of serving God. Serving God is unequalled, unmatchable, and second to none! We should never forget that!
“Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
ritasalomon 