Baruch was an apprentice to Jeremiah. He was weary of evil. He longed for rest and to pursue some plans of his own. But when the Lord told Jeremiah to write of coming judgment and captivity, Baruch was devastated… “Woe is me now! I foresee no future rest!”
The Lord sent a message to Baruch… “Behold, that which I have built, I will break down, and that which I have planted, I will pluck up, even this whole land. And are you seeking great things for yourself? Don’t seek them” – (Jeremiah 45:3-5). In essence, God told Baruch, “Don’t plan a future in a place under My judgment.” God was breaking down that which He could not bless and plucking up that which was bearing evil fruit – to build and plant something far greater, eternal, righteous, and good.
Baruch lost sight of God’s future promises and despaired, and God’s response to Baruch preaches to us as well. There is a glorious rest coming, but while this world is perishing, “seeking first the Kingdom of God” is the only ambition that will endure.
The Bible admonishes us that because the world is evil… “Do not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). The Lord isn’t telling us to quit life, He’s telling us how to live this life with eternal purpose.
“There remains a rest for the people of God” is the assurance of God’s Word. And it’s a glorious rest that will finally match outwardly the perfect rest our souls have found in Christ. Rather than despair that the end times scenario is unfolding, God wants us to use these days to prepare for the glorious days to come.
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