“Haven’t I had enough pain already?” (Jeremiah 45: 3 NLT). This is the woeful lament that came from the lips of Baruch, Jeremiah’s aide and scribe. Just as Jeremiah faced ridicule, derision and persecution from the people of Judah, Baruch did also. It was unpopular work being a prophet (or in this case a prophet’s assistant). But God promised to watch over and protect Baruch no matter what else happened around him or where his service to God took him. God said– “Baruch…I will destroy this nation that I built. I will uproot what I planted. Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t do it! But don’t be discouraged. I will bring great disaster upon all these people, but I will protect you wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 45:4-5).
This word to Baruch was given to him earlier in life but is placed in the book of Jeremiah at the end of their time in Egypt. Following the destruction of Jerusalem, both Baruch and Jeremiah were kidnapped by their own people (who again were faithless toward God) and taken down to Egypt. These faithless and apostate Judeans who took up residence in Egypt as a feeble attempt to avoid God’s judgment through the Babylonians would suffer destruction for their disobedience to God. But God promised to watch over Baruch. The reason the message is placed out of historical context is to provide a reminder that God does take care of his own, despite the way things sometimes look.
Ultimately, Baruch’s cry is a result of the difficulty of serving God in a world that is hostile to Him. Let’s face it, history shows that those who serve Christ in this world suffer at the hands of the world. But our suffering, pain and difficulties in this life are not the last word. The promises of God are. God will have the last word on our lives, our work and our fate.
If you are feeling isolated or depressed by your circumstances, remember God’s word to Baruch. While Baruch didn’t understand his pain and he didn’t “deserve” the treatment he received at the hands of others, he was not outside of God’s will. God was still paying attention to him. God was still at work shaping and molding him. God was still using his service. God was still on the throne of the universe and on the throne of Baruch’s life. And God promised that he would watch over him and protect him. He will do that for you too, if you’ll simply trust him in the midst of wherever you find yourself. Reach out to God today. Tell him your troubles. Invite Jesus into your circumstances. And listen for his word of comfort and reassurance in your life.
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