JEHOVAH BLESSES AND PROTECTS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT

A Secretary Saved by Obedience 

Do you sometimes feel weary because few among the people who meet in the Christian ministry show any interest in the good news?  Do you occasionally feel a tinge of envy toward the well-to-do and their indulgent life-styles?  If so, reflect on Baruch, Jeremiah's secretary, and on Jehovah's loving counsel to him.

Baruch was in the process of writing down a prophetic  message when he himself became the focus of Jehovah's attention. Why? Because Baruch began to rue his lot in life and to desire something better than his special privilege  of service to God. Observing this shift in Baruch's attitude, Jehovah gave him clear but kind counsel, saying:  "You keep seeking great things for yourself. Do not keep on seeking. For her I am bringing in a calamity upon all flesh, . . .and I will give you your soul as a spoil in all the places to which you may go." -Jeremiah 36:4; 45:5. 

Can you sense in Jehovah's words to Baruch  His deep concern for this fine man, who had served him so faithfully and courageously alongside Jeremiah?  Likewise today, Jehovah is deeply concerned about those who are tempted to pursue what they think are greener pastures  in this system of things. Happily, like Baruch, many of such ones have responded to loving readjustment by responsible spiritual brothers.  (Luke 15:4-7) Yes, may all of us discern that there is not future for those who seek "great things" for themselves int his system. Not only do such ones fail to find true happiness but, worse still, they will soon  pass away with this world and all its selfish desires. -Matthew 6:19, 20; 1 John 2:15-17.

Next time: JEHOVAH BLESSES AND PROTECTS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT-Conclusion of A Secretary Saved by Obedience

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002