Baruch, The Discontented Servant

“And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for 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 45:5

Among all the prophecies of Jeremiah, the Lord included a personal message to just one man, Baruch, Jeremiah’s discontented servant (Jer. 45:2-3). Perhaps he had hoped that his service as a scribe would be a means of achieving national recognition, financial benefits or other self-serving goals. Baruch’s grandfather, Maaseiah, had been governor of Jerusalem during Josiah’s reign (2 Chr. 34:8). Did Baruch secretly think he was “overqualified” to be a mere scribe to an unpopular prophet?

Instead of rewards, or even words of sympathy for his frustrations, Baruch received a strong rebuke from the Lord: You seek great things for yourself? Seek them not (Jer. 45:5)! Baruch expressed no heartfelt grief regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple of God or the pitiful slavery of the people, as Jeremiah had foretold. Instead, he only expressed sorrow over his own lack of personal fulfillment. Although Baruch was recording the Word of God spoken through Jeremiah, he did not have the same spiritual concern or insight as the prophet. Jeremiah was deeply concerned for the people, desiring that they repent of their sins and avoid the coming judgment and destruction. Baruch should have considered it a great privilege to be a co-worker in Jeremiah’s ministry, but it appeared that his concern was only for himself.

Our time and talents are precious treasures invested in us by the God of all creation in order to accomplish His will through us. True fulfillment comes when we acknowledge that God has arranged the circumstances in our lives, and we are grateful for everything that He has given us to do. Baruch is typical of those who are dissatisfied with their circumstances or their position of less esteem than they think they deserve.

Are you thinking and behaving like Baruch sometimes? Then you need to renew your mind. You can be grateful to God for your life; the opportunity, grace and spiritual gifts He has given to you so that you can serve Him. Like Paul said, “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6).