Scripture Reading : Jeremiah 45
Theme : Message to Baruch
Baruch came from an influential family of nobility. He was the grandson of Mahseiah (cf. 32:12), governor of Jerusalem during Josiah’s reign (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:8). His brother had been chief chamberlain in the court of Zedekiah (cf. 51:59). Baruch was seeking great things for himself. Perhaps, he was hoping to attain a high office or the gift of prophecy. But such expectations were not realized. Rather, he was to spend his life in a secondary role. This caused him to be depressed and in self-pity. God’s reply to Baruch’s complaint (v.3) was simple: do not expect to be more than you are (v.5). Why should Baruch be so concerned about his own greatness while the nation is suffering? Under such difficult times, Baruch should be satisfied that his life was spared. With this he must be content. God exhorted him to be more humble and more self-giving instead of self-serving.
Praying the Scripture
The Bible tells us that often times our depression or self-pity is the result of our pride and selfishness. We think we are entitled to some great things, when in reality, we are not entitled to anything. Greatness is God’s gift and grace. God wants us to seek the character of humility and self-giving like our Lord Jesus (Phil. 2:5-9). God does not want us to seek power, authority or fame. Even Jesus in his humanity did not pursue the authoritative office of the high priesthood, it was given to Him (Heb. 5:5). If you pursue power, authority, or fame, you displease God by becoming like those nonbelievers at the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:4). You are setting yourself to be humbled by God (Matt. 23:12). Pray that you will humble yourself by not pursuing power, authority or fame; instead pursue humility and service to others.
经文：耶利米书45
主题：给巴录的信息
巴录来自有影响力的贵族家庭。他是约西亚在位期间的邑宰（参照代下34:8），是玛西雅的孙子（参照32:12）。他的兄弟是西底家王宫的主要管家（参照51:59）。巴录为自己图谋大事，可能希望得到高官职位或是先知的恩赐。然而，这期望并没有实现；他一生只能扮演次要的角色。这令他感到消沉，并让他陷入自怜中。神对巴录之抱怨（3节）的回应很简单：不要期望自己该得的更多（5节）。当国家陷入危难时，巴录为何还如此关心自己的成就呢？在如此艰难的时期，巴录当为自己幸免死亡而感到满足了。神劝诫他要更谦卑，自我奉献，而非只顾念自己。
用经文祷告
圣经告诉我们自己所感受到的消沉与自怜多数是源于自身的骄傲与私欲。我们认为自己配得拥有伟大的成就，但实际上，我们是不配得拥有任何事物的。卓越的才能是神的恩赐与恩典。神要我们效法主耶稣，追求谦卑与自我奉献的品性（腓2:5-9），而非权力、权柄或是名声。即便主耶稣成为人的样式后，祂仍不自取荣耀作大祭司（希5:5）；这个职分是赐予祂的。你如果所追求的是权力、权柄或名声，便如同古时建巴别塔的非信徒一样（创11:4），是不蒙神喜悦的。你是在等待神来使你谦卑（太23:12）。祷告你会以追求谦卑与事奉他人为首，而不是追求权利、权柄或名声。
