Sunday, October 8, 2023 - BOASTING ALLOWED

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Sunday, October 8, 2023 - Day 281  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 36; Psalm 97; Hebrews 8:1-13)

BOASTING ALLOWED

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17 ESV) 

Boasting is very common. It is done in order to build one’s self up in the eyes of someone else. It is based on human pride. 

Paul encourages us to not boast about ourselves. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Proverbs warns us about what’s at the heart of boasting, pride. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

So, instead of pridefully boasting in ourselves, we get to boast in Jesus and all that He means to us.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast 

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain thinks that charm me most, 

I sacrifice them to His blood. 

(When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #425 stanza 2)

Lord Jesus Christ, help me to boast about You, that is, to share Your soul-saving love with everyone I can. Keep me focused on Your cross and Your command to share Your love with others. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape