Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:06:02 -0500
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Oct. 18); BP: Jer. 45; RBTTY: II Thess. 1; Is. 53-55
October 18 &n bsp; “What Are You Seeking?”
“And are you seeking great things for yourself? Seek them not. . .”
Jeremiah 45:5a
Glory that is sought or bought will not stand the test of time; but those who seek His glory will find that it’ll last forever.
Who of us wouldn’t like being known around the world—being in constant demand . . .having a best-selling book. . .or a building with our name on the side. . .or being the richest person who ever lived. . .or known as the smartest man/woman on the planet?
Such things are certainly intoxicating. And, they certainly appeal to our three carnal senses (I Jn. 2:16). However, today’s Manna, given by Jeremiah to Baruch (vv.1-4), warns of the fleeting nature of “seeking great things for ourselves.” And, they remind us of the importance of having the right pursuit, priority, passion and purpose (Mt. 6:33).
It’s clear that Baruch—Jeremiah’s scribe or secretary, who’d written down the prophet’s forecast of coming destruction and read them on a day of fasting before the king and his court (36:1-8)—was also having a tough time with everything. He cried, “Woe is me now—for the Lord has added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing and I find no rest” (v.3).
Simply put, this faithful servant of “The Weeping Prophet” was also affected by all that’d happened to his master. Such is always the case when we serve the Lord. . .for when one suffers, we all suffer. And, it’s likely he’d been bottling up all his inward musings and refusing to let it out as Jeremiah had tended to do (20:7-9, 14-18).
Regardless, God’s words to Jeremiah were a reality check for Baruch (and us). So often, it takes the faithful rebuke of another of God’s servants to cause us to check our motives in serving the Lord. Like Jesus responding to John the Baptist’s messengers with John’s doubt-filled questions, He asks us “What did you go out to see? Why are you doing what you’re doing? What’s in it for you?” (Lk. 7:24-26).
Tough questions, aren’t they, Pilgrim?
Assuredly they are.
But, there’s no doubt that they’re questions we need to ask ourselves from time-to-time, especially when we’re getting down-in-the-mouth and feeling like we may have gotten a bum rap from God. How easily our minds—which are hostile toward Him by nature (Rom. 8:7)—can soon be turned against Him, especially if we forget what happened to the One by Whose Name we are called.
So, why not stop right now and ask yourself the question Jeremiah asked Baruch:
“Are you seeking great things for yourself? Are you feeling you deserve a bigger house or newer car? Are you feeling down because folks don’t recognize your ability or call on you when you think they should??” If so, hear the rest of the Manna: “Seek them not.” Have but one purpose: To “Glorify God”—and one passion: “To love Him with every part of your being.” Then the rest will take care of itself.
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