“And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the LORD. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go” (Jeremiah 45:5 ESV).
Baruch, the son of Neriah, is an interesting figure in the book of Jeremiah. Although he was not a prophet, he became Jeremiah’s trusted secretary, faithful companion, and courageous partner in proclaiming God’s Word during Judah’s final years before the Babylonian exile.
Baruch spent his days writing down the words God gave to someone else. He wasn’t the prophet. He wasn’t the king. He wasn’t the central figure in the story.
Yet God knew his name.
In Jeremiah 45, God spoke directly to this faithful but discouraged servant. Baruch had grown weary and perhaps disappointed that his service had brought suffering rather than success. So God confronted him with a searching question: “Do you seek great things for yourself?”
There is a beautiful irony here. Baruch was told not to seek greatness for himself, yet God used his humble service to accomplish something of eternal significance. His faithful work helped preserve God’s Word for generations to come.
We must ask ourselves the same question God asked Baruch. Are we seeking great things for ourselves or for God? Are we serving to make our name known or to make His name known?
Jesus taught, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). He demonstrated this perfectly by humbling Himself in obedience to the Father, even to death on a cross (Phil. 2:5–11).
True greatness is not found in seeking to make a name for ourselves, but in faithfully serving the God who knows our name. Let us seek great things for God’s glory!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive us for seeking our own greatness rather than Your glory. Teach us to serve humbly and faithfully, trusting You with the results. May our greatest ambition be to make Jesus known. In Jesus’ name, amen.