By Kevin Blackwell, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute/Assistant to the President for Church Relations, Samford University
BARUCH
Jeremiah 36:4–8, 16–18; 45:1–5
Staying faithful amid difficult times can be a real challenge. Such was the case for both Jeremiah and Baruch. Jeremiah was a prophet in Judah during a spiritually tumultuous time for the nation.
King Jehoiakim led Judah away from God, and Jeremiah’s role as prophet was to deliver messages of judgment to the king and the nation regarding the coming Babylonian exile. Jeremiah’s scribe and servant was named Baruch.
Baruch played a prominent role in transcribing the prophetic messages of Judah’s upcoming destruction with the nation and its leaders. In spite of the challenges of this assignment, Baruch was faithful in his obedience.
Faithfully represent those you serve. (36:4–8)
Baruch, whose name means “blessed,” was chosen to record the prophecy of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was restricted from entering the temple — possibly due to past conflict — so he sent Baruch to read the prophecy of judgment.
God gave these words to Jeremiah as a warning to Judah. Baruch’s public reading of the warning should have prompted the people to repent of their idolatry and return to Yahweh.
Though the message was eventually rejected, Baruch faithfully carried out a very difficult assignment. Like Baruch, we must be faithful to carry out the Lord’s will despite the hardships that may come with it.
Baruch represented Jeremiah faithfully in his actions but more importantly, he served the Lord honorably.
Give credit where credit is due. (16–18)
One of King Jehoiakim’s counselors heard the prophecy read by Baruch in the temple, and he immediately told the other officials of the warnings. These officials requested that Baruch give them a private re-reading of Jeremiah’s prophecy, which led them to tremble in fear. This response is unexpected when you consider that Jeremiah’s prophecies had been reported for more than 20 years without effect.
These officials recognized Jeremiah’s prophetic authority and decided to take the message to the king. Jehoiakim would eventually take the scroll of prophecy and throw it into the fire, thus sealing the fate of Judah.
Though Baruch impressed the royal officials with his message, he was quick not to take credit for it. It took great humility and courage for Baruch to admit his role in the production of the scroll.
God rewards our service but in ways we may not expect. (45:1–5)
The words from the Lord to Baruch give us insight into the emotional turmoil Baruch was in due to the prophecy of Judah’s destruction. This could have been the result of physical threats he received after reading Jeremiah’s prophecy in the temple.
God reminds Baruch through Jeremiah of His sovereign control of the future of Judah. He also speaks into Baruch’s discouragement to remind him that blessings would come to him that would be far better than anything he might pursue through his own strength.
This passage reminds us that although we might suffer as we serve God, He will faithfully bless and sustain those who are committed to His purposes.
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