Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels.com

sometimes no silver

Jeremiah 45:1-5 (JDV)

Jeremiah 45:1 This is the word that the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Baruch son of Neriah when he wrote these words on a scroll at Jeremiah’s dictation in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah:
Jeremiah 45:2 “This is what Yahveh, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch:
Jeremiah 45:3 ‘You have said, “Tragedy for me, because Yahveh has added misery to my pain! I am worn out with groaning and have found no rest.” ‘
Jeremiah 45:4 “This is what you are to say to him: ‘This is what Yahveh says: “What I have built I am about to demolish, and what I have planted I am about to uproot – the whole land!
Jeremiah 45:5 But as for you, do you pursue great things for yourself? Stop pursuing! You see, I am about to bring disaster on everyone” – this is what Yahveh declares – “but I will grant you your life like the spoils of war wherever you go.” ‘”

sometimes no silver

Jeremiah had warned the remnant of Jews in Egypt that they are still in danger because they have not ceased their idolatry, and their foreign wives are insisting on continuing their pagan offerings to the queen of heaven, with their husbands’ full knowledge. So, the LORD promised to destroy all the men, leaving only a few fugitives who will eventually return to Judah.

Meanwhile, Baruch (Jeremiah’s scribe) is in despair. Jeremiah does not give him false hope of greatness. Instead he tells Baruch to be happy with just surviving, because this is a terrible time, and disaster awaits all.

This is a hard message for many, because we are used to looking for the silver lining in each cloud. Sometimes, the rain is all you get. Trust the LORD anyway.

LORD, forgive us for seeking hope outside our destiny in you. You are our hope.