Jeremiah 45:5 KJV – “And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not…”
According to Scripture, each believer has a gift to be used to advance God’s kingdom. And what a joy and privilege it is to serve Him! There is nothing quite like it, yet our service can be hindered or even corrupted by thoughts of grandeur. Such was the condition of the prophet Jeremiah’s co-laborer Baruch.
Jeremiah was front and center as a prophet, while Baruch, the scribe, worked behind the scenes. Both were vital callings, but brewing within the scribe was a desire for some of Jeremiah’s limelight, and God knew it.
Baruch may have kept his hopes to himself, or he may have voiced them aloud. Scripture doesn’t say what prompted the Lord’s strong words, but one thing is certain: If we want notoriety and applause from people, self-seeking will follow, and no one is exempt from that. John the Baptist’s disciples experienced this when they felt overshadowed by the rise of Jesus’ ministry, “Behold, He is baptizing, all are coming to Him!” (John 3:26). John’s response is a healthy reminder to all those serving God, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
God’s admonition to Baruch wasn’t easy to hear, but it came with this promise, “‘…behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,’” says the LORD. “‘But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go’” (Jeremiah 45:5b). Like Baruch, we have the precious promise of salvation. Let us determine to glory in that alone.
