“Do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not.” This memorable line captures the message of Jeremiah 45, a lesson we would all do well to learn. The short chapter is about Jeremiah’s secretary Baruch, who may be the only man in the Bible who has been fingerprinted. In 1975 some archeologists purchased clay document markers from an Arab antiquities dealer. (These were like book markers from the ancient world.) When the document markers were finally deciphered in 1986, it was discovered that one of them bears the seal of “Baruch, son of Neriah.” Not only that, it also bears his thumbprint! Baruch was a real man, a man of flesh and blood. So it’s not surprising that he had all the weaknesses and struggles that are common to humanity. There are times when it may be hard for us to relate to Jeremiah. He is the faithful prophet who performed brave deeds and spoke God’s Word with boldness. But Baruch was more like us. We all share in his struggles and weaknesses. Baruch had an important role in chapter 36, when Jeremiah dictated all his prophecies to him (45:1). He must have felt proud when God used him to write down every word, then read them aloud in the temple. But how do you think Baruch felt when the king used his scroll as fuel for the fireplace in his winter apartment, tearing it up and burning it, one column at a time? (36:22-23). Perhaps we are given insight into that very question when God quotes him: “You said, ‘Woe is me! For the LORD had added sorrow to my pain. I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest” (v 2-3). I think I said something similar once—when my computer crashed before I had saved a Word document containing my completed sermon! After investing a lot of time in some project, it’s very discouraging to have one’s work go to waste. Maybe Baruch was working on the second copy when he finally collapsed, saying, “I’m worn out!” A weary body can make for a weary soul. Perhaps he battled a chronic physical ailment. Maybe he was socially rejected because of his friendship with Jeremiah, the most unpopular guy in town. Maybe he was tired of playing second fiddle, wishing for a promotion or pay increase. Regardless, God’s answer to Baruch was direct and surprising. He basically tells him to stop being so selfish! On the verge of national disaster, he’s really complaining because he wants an easier life and more recognition? How often are we consumed with our own problems, while oblivious to greater problems others face? Do we care about the eternal destiny of friends and neighbors? Or are we too busy seeking great things for ourselves? Seek them not (v 4-5). For further meditation: