JEHOVAH BLESSES AND PROTECTS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT

Conclusion of A Secretary Saved by Obedience

The account about Baruch also teaches us a fine lesson in humility. Note that Jehovah did not counsel Baruch directly but spoke through Jeremiah, who imperfections and idiosyncrasies Baruch probably knew quite well.  (Jeremiah 45:1, 2) Yet, Baruch was not overcome by pride; he humbly discerned the real source of the counsel-Jehovah.  (2 Chronicles 26:3, 4, 16; Proverbs 18:12; 19:20) So if we 'take some false step before we are aware of it' and receive needed counsel from God's Word, let us imitate Baruch's maturity, spiritual discernment, and humility. -Galatians 6:1. 

Such a humble attitude on our part also helps those giving the counsel.  Says Hebrews 13:17: "Be obedient to those  who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you."  How often elders pour their heart out to Jehovah, praying for the courage, wisdom, and tact necessary to fulfill this difficult aspect of their shepherding work!  Let us "recognize men of that sort." -1 Corinthians 16:18. 

That Baruch readjusted his thinking is evident, for Jeremiah next gave him a most  challenging assignment-to go to the temple and read aloud the very judgment message he himself wrote down at Jeremiah's mouth.  Did Baruch obey?  Yes, he did "all that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him."  In fact, he even read the same message out to the princes of Jerusalem, which no doubt took considerable courage.  (Jeremiah 36:1-6), 8, 14, 15)  When the city fell to the Babylonians some 18 years later, imagine how grateful Baruch must have been for being spared because he had heeded Jehovah's warning and stopped seeking "great things" for himself! -Jeremiah 39:1, 2, 11, 12; 43:6. 

Next time: JEHOVAH BLESSES AND PROTECTS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT-Obedience During a Siege Saved Lives

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002