The Plowman

Introduction:
Compassion is not my strong suit. Mercy is not my gift. I can be impatient. I know what you are thinking. “Note to self if I’m ever in trouble don’t bother with talking to this guy!” I’m not that bad but it is a good thing that I’m not God. He is merciful, kind, long-suffering and patient. Yet there are times when He is very direct in dealing with His people. Take for instance our text this evening. We are going to look at Jeremiah chapter 45. It is only five verses long and to be honest with you I planned on skipping it. It seems out of place. You wonder what is the point in putting it here. There’s not a lot of information. I think I’ll just move on to something with a little more substance. But that would be a mistake. I’ve become convinced that this small chapter has a lot to say to believers during tough times.

Text: Jeremiah 45:1-5
Chapter 45 is prophecy given to Jeremiah to deliver to his secretary Baruch. It is also clear that this prophecy belongs with the events of chapter 36. So why isn’t it there? Why is it here? More about that later.

Let me point out three things from our text and then wrap it up with what I think God was saying to Baruch and in turn to all His saints in times are heartache and distress.

1. First I want you to note the plight of a discouraged, disheartened and disillusioned servant. (45:3)
2. Note the surprising response of the gracious, righteous and sovereign Lord. (45:4-5a)
3. But note the reassuring comfort given by a gracious Savior. (45:5)

Thesis: In times of great heartache and struggle the disillusioned saint must look beyond his current trouble and cling to God’s sovereign promise.