Today’s reading: Jeremiah 9:1-11:23
My selection: Jeremiah 9:23,24
23 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, 24 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.”
My reflections: People compare themselves among themselves based on wisdom, physical strength, and material wealth. In all those things, the God of heaven and earth is infinitely superior to any and all men. The greatest thing about any man or woman is his or her knowledge of God, and this knowledge does not come by means of human strength, wisdom or wealth — God is known through His Word and His Spirit, by grace through faith. There is nothing inherently wrong with being wise, wealthy, or physically strong, but these characteristics can never be the basis for a Biblical value system. What is the important quality in the Kingdom of God is knowledge of God, knowledge that is true.
God has revealed Himself in Scripture as One of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. He is not a mushy, cosmic cupcake, all-loving and without justice and righteousness. Neither is He some great divine accountant keeping track of good and bad deeds and administering merciless retribution for any missteps. He is holy but gracious. We cannot be good enough to merit His love, but by faith in the perfect offering of His Son for our sins, we are reconciled to Him. As we boast in the knowledge of Him, He is delighted.
My challenge: Let knowledge of God be your highest and greatest value. Be spurred on as you meet others who know God well, who know Him in truth. Press on to know Him in truth through your study of His word and through hearing the faithful preaching of His word.
Tomorrow’s reading: Jeremiah 12:1-15:21
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