Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jer 9:23-24 NKJ)
The world remembers Jeremiah as the "Weeping Prophet" of the Old Testament. He wept for a nation that never responded to his cries to repentance. He wept because he knew that their contempt of God's Law, their lack of seriousness and sincerity towards God's Word was nothing but an invitation of misery, calamity, and death. He wept because their self-opinion was too loud for them to hear what God was saying. He wept because it seemed that God Himself was exhausted of all opportunities to repentance that He could allow this nation anymore. God commanded Jeremiah, "Do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you." (Jer 7:16)
The Jews of Jeremiah's time were proud about a number of things. They gloried in their education system, in their economic well-being, and in their military might. But, God confronted them on this matter: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches"
1. Glory in the Knowledge and Understanding of God. "That he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD." This is not mere rationalized, philosophical knowledge of God. It is knowledge that comes from the self-revelation of God in His Word. It is knowledge that comes from an intimate walk with God, by which we spiritually are able to recognize the things that God likes and the things He detests. This intimate knowledge will certainly transform us inside out and change our manner of speech, thought, and conduct.
2. Glory in the Understanding of God's Character and Mission. "Exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth." Mercy, Justice, and Righteousness cannot be understood in separation from God. Our ministry in the world proceeds from our understanding of the character and the mission of our Master. A person who understands the character and mission of God will not live a purposeless life. Mercy, justice, and righteousness will weigh heavily on his soul. Every moment of his existence will pulsate with the passion of God's mission. He will not be satisfied with a passive lifestyle but will bear witness of the Kingdom of God. He will raise his voice in favor of mercy, justice, and righteousness. He will not withdraw his hand from helping the needy. He will live his life by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself for him. He will work the works of the Father.
3. Glory in the Understanding of God's Will and Delight. "In these I delight." God delights in lovingkness, judgment, and righteousness. A person who has come to age will know what his father delights in (Heb.5:14). The spiritually minded man will know the mind of the Spirit. His mind has been renewed so that he can discern between good and evil and is able to recognize what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom.12:2). This person can never displease God because he lives a life that is well pleasing to God. He is a person who is "a man after God's own heart"; the servant by whom the Master is well-pleased, because he has exactly served in the manner that God wanted him to serve.
Prayer: Father, there are many things that we are proud of, ambitious of, and ignorantly concerned about in this world that passes away. These things will not remain but You remain forever. Your Word remains forever. Lord Jesus, You came that we may have life and life more abundantly. Breathe into us the life of Your Word! Your Words are Spirit and Life! We disconnect ourselves from the passions of this world and look up to You. Help us to know You better! Reveal Your person to us! Holy Spirit, forgive us when we have grieved You! Lead us on to grow in the knowledge of Him who loved us truly so much! Fill us with Yourself to the glory of the Father and the Son and the Blessed Spirit! Amen!
The world remembers Jeremiah as the "Weeping Prophet" of the Old Testament. He wept for a nation that never responded to his cries to repentance. He wept because he knew that their contempt of God's Law, their lack of seriousness and sincerity towards God's Word was nothing but an invitation of misery, calamity, and death. He wept because their self-opinion was too loud for them to hear what God was saying. He wept because it seemed that God Himself was exhausted of all opportunities to repentance that He could allow this nation anymore. God commanded Jeremiah, "Do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you." (Jer 7:16)
The Jews of Jeremiah's time were proud about a number of things. They gloried in their education system, in their economic well-being, and in their military might. But, God confronted them on this matter: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches"
Three Things To Glory In
God lists out three things that a person can glory in:1. Glory in the Knowledge and Understanding of God. "That he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD." This is not mere rationalized, philosophical knowledge of God. It is knowledge that comes from the self-revelation of God in His Word. It is knowledge that comes from an intimate walk with God, by which we spiritually are able to recognize the things that God likes and the things He detests. This intimate knowledge will certainly transform us inside out and change our manner of speech, thought, and conduct.
2. Glory in the Understanding of God's Character and Mission. "Exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth." Mercy, Justice, and Righteousness cannot be understood in separation from God. Our ministry in the world proceeds from our understanding of the character and the mission of our Master. A person who understands the character and mission of God will not live a purposeless life. Mercy, justice, and righteousness will weigh heavily on his soul. Every moment of his existence will pulsate with the passion of God's mission. He will not be satisfied with a passive lifestyle but will bear witness of the Kingdom of God. He will raise his voice in favor of mercy, justice, and righteousness. He will not withdraw his hand from helping the needy. He will live his life by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself for him. He will work the works of the Father.
3. Glory in the Understanding of God's Will and Delight. "In these I delight." God delights in lovingkness, judgment, and righteousness. A person who has come to age will know what his father delights in (Heb.5:14). The spiritually minded man will know the mind of the Spirit. His mind has been renewed so that he can discern between good and evil and is able to recognize what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom.12:2). This person can never displease God because he lives a life that is well pleasing to God. He is a person who is "a man after God's own heart"; the servant by whom the Master is well-pleased, because he has exactly served in the manner that God wanted him to serve.
Prayer: Father, there are many things that we are proud of, ambitious of, and ignorantly concerned about in this world that passes away. These things will not remain but You remain forever. Your Word remains forever. Lord Jesus, You came that we may have life and life more abundantly. Breathe into us the life of Your Word! Your Words are Spirit and Life! We disconnect ourselves from the passions of this world and look up to You. Help us to know You better! Reveal Your person to us! Holy Spirit, forgive us when we have grieved You! Lead us on to grow in the knowledge of Him who loved us truly so much! Fill us with Yourself to the glory of the Father and the Son and the Blessed Spirit! Amen!
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