EVERYTHING LOST BUT I LIVE

June 6, 2011

EVERYTHING LOST BUT I LIVE

Jeremiah 45

John Cimmerman

Central Truth

When we groan in agony of emotional pain and pour out our heart to God in the midst of our struggles or loss, God will speak to us through His Word. His Word will bring comfort and encouragement even when He does not remove the struggles or loss.

"Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, what I have built I am about to tear down, and what I have planted I am about to uproot, that is, the whole land.' But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,' declares the LORD, 'but I will give your life to you as booty in all the places where you may go.'" (Jeremiah 45:4-5)

Message to Baruch

1 The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he wrote these words in a book at the dictation of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: 2 “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 You said, ‘Woe is me! For the LORD has added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.’ 4 Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. 5 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.”

(Baruch talking to himself) "I wish I were dead! It certainly would be better off dying than being captured. I can see the Babylonians getting ready to attack my city, Jerusalem. How did all this happen? I thought I was going to get great things when Jeremiah recently asked me to write down God's message to Judah as he dictated it to me. I even turned down my brother, Seraiah, a staff officer of King Zedekiah, for a job. Now, my colorful world has turned to black and white. The Babylonians will torture me before they kill me! My pen bleeds bright red blood as I write over and over my nation's sin and God's severe judgment. I wish I could fall in my bed and sleep, but I haven't slept in a week. Why is God making me hurt so much? Why me?'

(God speaking through Jeremiah to Baruch) "You said, 'I'm so miserable! The LORD has added grief to my pain. I'm worn out from groaning. I can't find any rest.'"

"Say this to Baruch, 'This is what the LORD says: "I will tear down what I have built. I will uproot what I have planted throughout the earth. Are you looking for great things for yourself? Don't look for them, because I'm going to bring disaster on all people," declares the LORD. "But wherever you go I will let you escape with your life."'" (GWT)

(For You) God often doesn't answer the question, "Why me?" Yet, He does speak to that question (Job 38:1-42:6; Isaiah 40:6-31). God wants us to trust Him in whatever circumstance we face. When we face disappointment, grief, depression, or any struggle, God gives us promises to claim and live by. Promises such as: He delivers me from my fears (Psalm 34:4); daily bears my burdens (Psalm 68:19); walks beside me, comforting me (2 Corinthians 1:3-4); gives a prescription for worry (Philippians 4:6-7); and knows me thoroughly (Psalm 139).

Friend, spend time today looking in your concordance or online for God's promises to apply to your need. (www.crossway.com or www.biblegateway.com)

1. When you knew a crisis was soon to happen, how did you respond? Did your response draw you closer or farther away from God? Why? How?

2. Baruch grumbled against God for what? Do you grumble or blame God when things are not turning out like you want or are not happening on your timetable?

3. What did God promise Baruch? Does this sound like a good promise or not? Why?

4. What is the most overwhelming crisis you are going through right now? What makes it so difficult? What does the Bible say about it? Does God have any promises for you to claim? Take time now to find Bible promises that minister to you about your struggle.

5. Notice that God did not condemn or punish Baruch for his grumbling. What does that teach you? Why? How does it apply to you?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

JEREMIAH 45-49 (JUNE 6-10)

Read Jeremiah 45.

What does it say that Baruch did for Jeremiah in verse 1? Go back and read Jeremiah 36 to read about the actual events.

Baruch did not have a computer to type out the words Jeremiah spoke. Baruch had to write them all by hand. How long do you think it took him? How do you think he felt when he found out the scrolls had been burned? Then, what did Jeremiah have him do?

After all of his writing, the people did not repent! How does it say Baruch felt in Jeremiah 45:3? What does the Lord say in response to his complaining? Look at verse 5, what does it say Baruch was seeking?

What does it mean to "[seek] great things for yourself?" Are you ever tempted to do things so you get the glory or recognition? For whose glory should you do all things? (See Colossians 3:23)

ACTIVITY: As a family, think of someone in your neighborhood whom you can serve. Be creative, intentional, and sacrificial (i.e. mow their lawn, bring them their paper each morning, bring them breakfast, clean their pool, etc.) When they ask you WHY you are doing it, take the time to sit with them and talk about what Christ has done for you. Remember to give God the glory!