Vv. 2,3 God listens and knows our sorrows and cries. As Baruch writes down the words of Jeremiah, he recognized the unavoidable fate of Judah and his uncertain future. He was tired both spiritually and emotionally. It was not just because he felt the threat of life. Although we cannot know, God knew his pain exactly. Do you have any spiritual concern or pain as you understand the word (2 Cor. 7:8-11)? Are you afraid of the future? God knows. Why not share your sorrows with God?
V. 4 God is the absolute sovereign who at times overthrows what he has built and uproots what he has planted. This is talking about the future of a nation. God had planted Israel like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock, but they turned into a corrupt, wild vine (2:21). So he will uproot it. He tears down the prideful thought of Judah that the temple of God in Jerusalem would stand forever. He will act in all matters according to his will, from Judah to Egypt, and throughout the world. That is why they could expect the day of deliverance out of the hands of Babylon. Are you torn down and uprooted? Shake off the ashes and rise up.
V. 5 God tells Baruch to stop seeking the ‘great things’ he has planned. The content and intention of the great things are not clear, but he may have been planning a way to avoid the disaster. Even though it was not avoidable, God promises to keep his life in everywhere he goes. Even acting with good intention is not helpful for the kingdom of the Lord if it is against the will of the Lord. Do I have any great plans that I must discontinue?
Help me not to ignore the work of the Lord because of my pain and sorrow.
