What Are You Seeking?

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 44-45

Scripture Focus: And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go. (Jeremiah 45.5)

Devotional Thought: Like Ebed-melech who rescued Jeremiah from the cistern, Baruch was an aide to and ally of the prophet Jeremiah.  Also like Ebed-melech, Baruch received his "life as a prize of war."  God rewarded Baruch for his service as a "recorder" for Jeremiah.  Baruch had a problem, however.  He was a little too interested in achieving great things for himself. 

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God instructed Baruch about...

·       Self-interest.  The calamities that Jeremiah had prophesied concerning Jerusalem ran counter to Baruch's personal desires.  He cried, "Woe is me, for the Lord has added sorrow to my pain" (v. 3).  Not only was he in pain because of Jerusalem's destruction, he was also heart-broken that his plans were shattered.  He wore himself out with groans of self-pity.  God responded that the whole land was going to be broken down and plucked up.  Baruch had no business feeling sorry for himself.  Are we able, like Jesus, to lay aside self-interest?

·       Solidarity.  Instead, Baruch needed to see himself as a brother to the others who were losing everything.  You are all in this boat together, Baruch.  What do we feel when we think about God's judgment on sinners?  Are we willing, like Jesus, to identify with their plight and seek their salvation at great cost to ourselves?

·       Success.  Baruch was measuring success incorrectly.  To him, success was the fulfillment of his dream of greatness.  God said that success was "life ... in all the places to which you may go."  Whether in plenty or want, joy or sorrow, freedom or captivity, Baruch was promised life.  Jesus promises us life, too, abundant life, eternal life.

Do you seek great things for yourself?  Seek them not.  Seek instead the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I turn your grace into an occasion of seeking great things for myself.  Lord, help me to identify with those around me in order that I might be a vessel fit for your use.  In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 122.6-9

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you!

7 Peace be within your walls and security within your towers! ”

8 For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you! ”

9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.