Baruch: Building a Legacy In a Crumbling World


Class Teaching Notes

December 25, 2010

Larry R Evans

Rain and more rain. Day after day. That’s the story of many western states on the brink of Christmas. With the rain came devastation. Graphic pictures remind us of the power of water and mud. Many questions of the heart come to the surface as we see water racing down main streets, mud barging into living rooms and new homes falling from their perches and being escorted down swollen rivers by torrents of water. One home owner declared that this was enough for her. Her family’s lives were worth more than their house. Others wept saying, “We’ve lost everything.” In the midst of circumstances beyond our control we often ask, “Why?” “Where do we turn next?”

Baruch, the special scribe for the prophet Jeremiah, had his own questions too. He had been faithful. He had been loyal to Jeremiah and it appeared he had a good future ahead of him. But then calamity came in pieces. Jeremiah was put in prison despite his best efforts to bring a revival in Israel. The leaders would have nothing to do with Jeremiah. The scribal work of Baruch was cut up and burned. The nation seemed bent on self-destruction. If Baruch had any ambitions they were dashed. The Bible says he felt sorrow, pain and was worn out with groaning because of life’s circumstances. (Jer. 45:3) In the midst of his pain and uncertainty God spoke. The message wasn’t very encouraging except for one very important point: God spoke. An entire chapter of Scripture (Jer. 45) was dedicated to Baruch and to all others who may feel as he did. What Baruch did and felt along with God’s message to him and how God would ultimately intervene is what our study is about today. Baruch wasn’t Jeremiah. He wasn’t the prophet. Nevertheless, he was still special to God. You and I don’t need to be the “top dog” for God to hear our cries. God does care and it doesn’t stop there.

Reflective Questions for Our Study

1. Our times are unique in that many are discontent with the government. True or False?

2. Wrong counsel is not bad if you are sincere when accepting it. True or False?

3. “Reform” has a similar meaning to “discipline.” True or False?

4. In order to have an influence in a culture that has everything, it is important to first impress the senses before trying to impress the hearts. (Jer. 7:3-7) True or False?

5. Baruch was a scribe for Jeremiah and as such made sure that Jeremiah received the credit for giving the message and not himself. True or False?

6. God’s messages do not flatter or bend to public opinion. (Jer. 28:7-9, 15-16) True or False?

7. Being a messenger of the Lord may have some disadvantages but at least the messenger is protected from threats and dangers. (Jer 36:26; Heb. 11:32-38)

8. It is a sin to feel distressed when we have a God that is powerful enough to create the universe. (Jer. 45; 1 Ki 19:4; Job 6:2,3; Ps. 55:4) True or False?

9. Salvation comes through defeat. True or False?

10. Reproof is a sure sign that we are taking the wrong course. (Jer 26:2, 7-11) True or False?

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