Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Abundantly Blessed

Today, I was reading through Jeremiah for my quiet time, and I don't often post about this private time with the Lord, but I was struck by a short chapter in Jeremiah that packed a powerful punch. Chapter 45 of Jeremiah is a mere 5 verses, but in those 5 verses the Lord convicted me of my expectations concerning my faithfulness. In this chapter, Baruch, Jeremiah's faithful scribe, has become discouraged (and who wouldn't be after seeing God's judgment again and again on His people as they refuse to obey His command). So the Lord sends this message to Baruch, who has remained faithful despite the rest of the nation turing against the Lord in disobedience. Now, I would think that God would send him this incredibly uplifting message and promise him greatness, but instead God responds with this, "Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go." (vs.5). After reading that I thought, "really that's all he gets after all he's been through? Just his life?" Then it occurred to me that God is making a point here. Baruch was doing what he was supposed to do, nothing more, nothing less. And God's reward to him was the most precious gift we can be given by God, life. When we live a life of faithfulness to the Lord, we are living the most abundant and prosperous life possible, and we shouldn't want for anything else. Not greatness, not fame, not riches, just a fulfilled life in Christ. It also reminded me of something I say often to my students who expect or request extra credit for doing simple tasks that they're expected to do, "You don't get extra credit for doing what you're already supposed to do." In a world with an endless sense of entitlement, I was humbled by the Lord's reminder that He has promised to give us life, and life abundant, but nothing more, and we should be more than satisfied with that. So Lord, I'm completely satisfied with my life of obedience to you, and may I never seek more than a faithful life to You.

And I couldn't be more thankful for the life He has given me!! We are now only three weeks from the due date of our precious baby boy, and I couldn't be more thrilled!!
37 weeks and ounting!!