Verse of the Day 7/15

Jeremiah 9:24 (AMP)  But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.

 

Many translations use the word "boast" instead of glories in the beginning of the verse.  The meaning is the same, but in today's society we recognize and understand and see  "boasting" on display in front of us constantly, especially in this political season.  We see politicians boasting about what they have done and about what they will do.  It was not to be so with God's people, whether in the Old Testament or New Testament.  Paul echoed this sentiment a couple of time to the church in Corinth.

 

The Amplified Bible spells out what "knowing" God means - "personally, practically" and that God knows and recognizes our character.  We have nothing to boast about that He doesn't know the truth about.

 

Theologian D. A. Carson writes, "there is nothing in the universe more important to human beings than to know the Lord (Jer. 9:24a). He is God, not we; he is the Creator, not we; he exercises providential rule, not we. He is the Self-Existent, and we are derived and dependent. He inhabits eternity; we are restricted to our very small segment of time. He is utterly holy and glorious; we are massively contaminated by dirt, and stand under his judgment. But we may know him! That is the only thing truly worth "boasting" about. "

 

This attitude, this frame of mind is one that God can work with to achieve His purposes.  It is echoed in the pre chorus of a current praise song  "King of All Days".

 

Lord of the heavens
King of all days
Without You my world slips away
Redeemed by Your mercy
Consumed by Your grace
Now I live for You

 

May we boast/glory in Him as we live for Him.

 

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Jeremiah 9:23-24 New Living Translation (NLT)
23 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.
24 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!