Read: Jeremiah 45
Flashback a few years and a dozen chapters. We find this short chapter, just five verses, is intended to give Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, some peace about his role in the drama of Israel’s history. It’s really hard to know if we’re doing the right thing as life unfolds. Should we lead a protest or sign a petition? Should we stand up and create a movement that honors God? Or is this all about making a name for ourselves? The only way we can discern God’s voice among the noise of today is to immerse ourselves daily in his word, in prayer, in meditation and in quiet reflection.
Yesterday, I shared a post on Facebook that included a video of Mr Rogers’ testimony before congress to appeal for funding for Public Television. His familiar methodical pace of carefully thought words tore through the hardened hearts of those who listened as he won the battle for the day. It was a pivotal point, but not surprising, it was his call and he lived it out with all he could. He didn’t put on someone else’s robe or become something he was not, he acted faithfully to his character.
Jeremiah said this 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 45:1-3
Jeremiah heard Baruch’s complaint, his honest and open recognition of pain.
But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. 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 45:4-5
Jeremiah is straight-forward here, not seeking fame or notoriety, he simply reminds Baruch the promise of the Lord is far greater than any human agenda.
Lord, I pray you will help us to see where you have called each of us, that you would be patient as we ask for clarity each day. Remind us not to seek great things for ourselves; rather, to seek your voice above all others.
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.