Jeremiah 45 “God’s Care for Baruch”

Jeremiah 45 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• Vertical Worship – Faithful Now
• Still, My Soul Be Still – Keith & Kristyn Getty
• Run To The Father – Cody Carnes

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Joshua Leads “Be Strong and Courageous” (Joshua 1) – Lesson for Kids
• Isaiah 41:10 – Do Not Fear – Song for Kids
• God is Always with Us | Pets Unleashed VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God | Everest VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Lord had Jeremiah dictate His words to Baruch, who wrote them down (chapter 36). This took place in the fourth year of King Jehoiakim (605 BC) (v. 1). From that point on, Baruch served Jeremiah, recording the words God gave him (v. 2). The reason we can read Jeremiah’s prophecies today is because of Baruch’s work. He accompanied Jeremiah all the way to Egypt with the people of Judah and shared in every hardship.

As Baruch wrote down the Lord’s words, he became afraid, knowing that he too would experience the coming disasters. He brought his fears and worries before the Lord and asked for mercy (v. 3). The Lord gave Jeremiah an answer for Baruch (v. 4). The Lord told him not to “seek great things” for himself (v. 5). This means he should not hope for some miraculous event that would help him escape the coming calamity. The Lord had already determined judgment, and disaster would continue until all was completed. However, the Lord heard Baruch’s prayer and promised to preserve his life.

Meditation:

As a servant of God, Jeremiah endured countless hardships, and at times he complained before God about the suffering he faced. The people of Judah despised and rejected him, and at times even tried to kill him. Yet Jeremiah chose to share the fate of his people to the very end. Even though he knew it would be more advantageous for him to go to Babylon, he chose to remain in Judah. And when the remnant of Judah disobeyed God’s word and went down to Egypt, he went with them. He likely ended his life in Egypt alongside his own people.

Baruch was different from Jeremiah. As he wrote down the Lord’s words given to Jeremiah, he became afraid of the things that would come. He was afraid because he believed the words Jeremiah proclaimed. When fear overwhelmed his heart, he came before God, poured out his heart, and prayed that he might escape the coming disaster. His prayer was self-centered, yet God still heard him. Although Baruch could not avoid the disaster that Judah was to face, the Lord promised that his life would be spared.

Not everyone can be like Jeremiah. His willingness to share the fate of his people was truly noble, but not everyone can do the same. This is why the Lord’s care—hearing Baruch’s prayer and answering him—is both comforting and encouraging. We long to be like Jeremiah, but in reality, we often find ourselves more like Baruch. May we find comfort and courage in the Lord’s words to Baruch, and may we learn to think and act more like Jeremiah.

Prayer:

The hymn lyric comes to mind: “When we confess our wrongs, He pities us and grants His great grace; there is joy in Him.” We pray that our prayers before You will always be a joy to Your heart. Yet we thank You for the grace that answers us with mercy and compassion even when we ask wrongly. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God cares for us even when we are afraid. Just like Baruch, we may not be as brave as Jeremiah—but God listens to our honest prayers, understands our fears, and promises to stay with us. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect heroes; He simply wants us to come to Him with our whole hearts.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • What makes you feel scared sometimes?
  • Who do you talk to when you feel worried?
  • How do you think God helps people who are afraid—like Baruch?
    
• Youth:
  • Baruch wasn’t as brave as Jeremiah. Do you ever feel like you’re “not strong enough” compared to others? Why?
  • Baruch prayed honestly—even when he was scared. What makes it hard for you to be honest with God about your fears?