Jeremiah Friday (chapters 7-11)
Thus says the Lord: “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, but 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 ESV)
Wisdom, might, and riches are things we human beings like to brag about. We are proud of our accomplishments in these areas. However, the Lord is not impressed at all.
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 ESV)
“‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (1 Corinthians 10:17-18)
This is precisely what Jeremiah is getting at. “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.”
Instead of boasting about your intellect, strength or money, boast about the love, justice and righteousness of Jesus. To do this you need to know God. To know God you need to be in His Word, the Bible. Are you following the daily guide referenced below? Are you reading a daily devotional booklet like Portals of Prayer? Have you opened your copy of Luther’s Small Catechism lately?
The blessing of spending time in God’s Word is getting to see Jesus better, and thereby getting to know all that God has for you.
Teach us, O Lord, to know You better as I spend time in Your Word. And then, use me to boast about You and what Jesus means to me. Amen.
Boast in the Lord and what He is doing for you!
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based.
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