..."Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, ²⁴but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." —Jeremiah 9:23-24
When we enter this world we arrive as helpless babies, 100 percent dependent on others. As we get older we move gradually from being dependent to becoming independent. As we become independent we often forget how we got to where we are and we become prideful in what we think we are able to accomplish. In our self-centered world this seems to be the norm. Often our independent spirit is simply a cover up of our insecurities. And in this state of mind and heart we tell our stories, hoping others might like us and find delight in who we are.
Do you ever find yourself making much of yourself? I find that it slips in unexpectedly in many ways. For example, how I will talk about my day and make a reference to something I have done. I boast in order to make others think more highly of me or feel sorry for me. The focus is on me, whether boasting about my accomplishments or complaining about my failures. This is pride. Why is it that we allow pride to invade us so easily? It is because our sinful nature is just that—our nature. It comes naturally to act out of our sinful, prideful, self-centered nature.
The good news is that there is a remedy for us. When we recognize our independent, prideful spirit for what it is—sin—we can repent. Take it to Jesus who came to earth and lived the perfect life. He went to the cross to pay the price for my sin. He was buried and rose again on the third day as a payment for my sin. His justice, His love and His righteousness are all seen in this one act! He worked on my behalf. Now that is worth boasting about!
The end of this verse says, “For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” Do you want to be a part of bringing delight to the Lord? Then we must delight in what He delights in. He finds delight in His very acts of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. As we praise and make much of our Lord and His glorious deeds, let us boast in our Lord’s steadfast, unfaltering love, and speak about His justice and His righteousness. As we make much of Him and His glorious deeds, the next generation will know that He is their hope.
For Reflection
What do you find easy to boast about? Why do you think that is? What is one thing you can do this week that will help you to understand and know God better?
The parable in Luke 18:9-14 provides a contrast between two individuals that exemplifies the teaching of Jeremiah 9:23-24. Which person in this parable characterizes you?
Share (boast) about the Lord’s steadfast love, justice and righteousness with those around your dinner table tonight.