Something to Boast About

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

We were born to boast, but not in our wisdom, our might, our physical appearance, or our talents.  We are to boast and delight in God.  For some reason, we tend to boast in all the wrong things – things that don’t last or have true value according to the Lord’s perspective.  Once we have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we then should boast in God.  “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  The fact that we have been forgiven of our sins, by no merit of our own, is something to boast about! Jeremiah tells us that we should boast that we know and understand God.  We don’t know everything about God, but we know what has been revealed to us through His Word.  The end of Jeremiah 9:24 says “For in these things I delight, saith the Lord”.  To be a delight to the Lord, we must delight in what He delights in.  He finds delight in His acts of love, justice, and righteousness.  As we praise and make mention of our Lord and His glorious/wondrous deeds, let’s boast in our Lord’s steadfast/unfailing love,  speak about His justice and His righteousness.  This helps people to know that He is their hope.

The parable in Luke 18:9-14  shows the contrast between two individuals that exemplified the teaching of Jeremiah 9:23-24.  “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 18:9-14)”.    

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for forgiving me of my sin so that I now have a personal relationship with You.  Forgive me when I boast of myself in any way.  Help me to boast of your lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)