http://bible.com/116/jer.9.23-25.nlt
This is what the Lord says:
“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
or the powerful boast in their power,
or the rich boast in their riches.
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.
I, the Lord , have spoken!
“A time is coming,” says the Lord , “when I will punish all those who are circumcised in body but not in spirit—
Life Application Notes
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“People tend to admire four qualities in others: human wisdom, power (strength), kindness, and riches. But God puts a higher priority on knowing him personally and living a life that reflects his justice and righteousness. What do you want people to admire most about you?”
PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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I will take it further –
Am I wanting people to admire me?
Or am I wanting people to know and understand the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings righteousness and judgement to the world?
You see, I don’t want to just boast that I know and understand – I want others to be able to know and understand. I’ve grabbed hold of something so fruitful and amazing that I want to share it with others so that they might hunger for this Word and be fed daily with the spiritual nourishment that is eternal.
But do you see that little part of the scripture, that part that almost seems as if it could have been left out, “I delight in these things.
I, the Lord , have spoken!” It’s humbling to even imagine that Almighty God delights in me. It’s humbling to know that He called me and chose me. It’s humbling to know that He values and delights in me.
But even as it is humbling, it is encouraging. It is empowering. It strengthens me to press on at the task ahead, to not lose focus. Because even as the world faces the coming judgement and punishment, we have a friend. A friend who has chosen us, a friend who lived us forest. A friend so faithful. A friend who knows our every weakness, and let’s us being it to Him in prayer. A friend who offers us forgiveness and freedom, and healing and renewal – and who is our hope and strength and shield and shelter.
He is worthy of the honor and praise!
He is greater!
He alone is worthy!
So I don’t want people to admire me, I want people to admire God the Father Almighty, to know and understand Christ Jesus the Lord and Savior, and to receive the Holy Spirit into their lives to love a new life as a child of the most High!
If I boast, I boast of His mercies and power and glory and honor. He has taken the keys from death and hell, He breaks the chains of sin and shame and guilt and rebellion.
He is here to save you, friend.
He is here to change you, friend.
He is here to use you, friend.
Boast in Him. He delights in you, child of God!
Harold J. Ballinger 