"But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them" Jeremiah 45:5.

The question posed in Jeremiah 45:5 focuses on a man named Baruch. Baruch was a scribe, a secretary, to Jeremiah the prophet, and perhaps hitched his star, so to speak, to this prominent prophet. But, the life and work of a prophet was anything but easy and popular. The alarming messages Baruch recorded no doubt gave him cause to regret association with Jeremiah, and even to fear for his own life and safety. It seems he may have sought to distance himself from the prophet, and even from Yahweh as well.

God through Jeremiah warns Baruch of coming judgment, and thus the danger of seeking great things for himself in a world destined for calamity. A special promise is made to Baruch if he would remain faithful to his calling and work: "this is the LORD’s declaration — ‘but I will grant you your life like the spoils of war wherever you go’ ” Jeremiah 45:5.

The message and application is especially pertinent: forgo greatness as defined by the world, and be blessed in devotion and service to Yahweh even amidst calamity. It is even better summarized in the words of Jesus: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" Matthew 6:33.

We daily face a choice: seeking something important for ourselves in this present world system, or seeking to do something great for the cause of the kingdom. The choice seems obvious, but the appeal of the world system is easily seducing and enticing. May God's words to Baruch be our guard: "But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them"

Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/

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