Jeremiah 45 reminds me of the times when a word of encouragement comes at just the right time. Often the encourager does not even know they are lifting you up. Frequently the words are neither lengthy, nor eloquent. The right words at the right time can change our whole perspective. Today’s chapter is perhaps the shortest in the entire Bible. Some claim it is accidently misplaced, because it references a time before Judah was captured. It is the unexpected encouragement that usually gets our attention. The chapter begins, “When Baruch… wrote on a scroll the words Jeremiah the prophet dictated”. To me this speaks to any person that is just faithfully doing their job. Almost like saying, remember that morning when you got to the office on time and turned on your computer? We often overlook the folks that are always conscientious. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord”. Your toiling is noticed.
Next we read that God Himself noticed, “Jeremiah said… the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch…”. Working behind the scenes does not put us outside of God’s view. Interestingly, the encouragement comes in the midst of the most public time of his life. Recall, the scribe was asked to read Jeremiah’s prophesy to the men outside the Temple. God’s dire warning was then taken directly to the king! Chapter 36 describes the king’s reaction, “he would not listen to them… Instead, the king commanded… arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet”. It was at this exact time of fear and failure that God spoke to the scribe, “You said, ‘Woe to me!’… This is what the Lord says…”. Pause and ask, what would I say? Transparent platitudes? A tentative, “Oh don’t worry, it will be alright”? These are the times when the truth of God’s Word is the best solution. Where do you look for encouragement?
God said to the scribe, “I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth”. In other words, those that were plotting against Baruch were about to experience the consequences of their rebellion. They could threaten, but God had other plans. Next God refocuses his priorities, “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people”. But God includes a specific promise to His servant, “but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life”. Friend, God offers promises to all that come to Him in faith. Jesus said in John chapter 16, “The Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father… Do you now believe? …I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. Are you searching for certainty? Please look into His Word.