When You Feel Like Boasting

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 9

Scripture Focus: 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)

Devotional Thought: One night, Jesus was approached by a man who hoped he would be impressed with his superior spiritual wisdom.  Jesus said, in essence, “Not so fast!  You must be born again!”  Nicodemus needed to humble himself and come into the kingdom as a child comes into the world – with nothing to claim as his own.  Another time, Jesus was approached by a man who wanted to impress him with his keeping of the commandments.  Jesus said, “You’re not far from the kingdom!”  He needed to humble himself to enter.  Then there was the man who was very rich, who trusted in his riches.  Jesus told him, “Sell it all and give to the poor.  It’s no use to you in the kingdom.”  Others told Jesus about their spiritual heritage.  Jesus said, “You think Abraham is your father?  You are of your father the devil.”

The Bible says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4.6; 1 Peter 5.5).  Jesus told the parable of the two men in the temple praying.  One was proud of his religious accomplishments.  One was stricken with the fact that he was a sinner.  The proud man left church that day lost.  The sinner – humbling himself before God – left forgiven.

God is perfect in all his attributes.  Is there anybody who seriously thinks they can impress God with their goodness?  God isn’t one to be impressed.  He is one to be merciful, however.  God delights in practicing “steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.”  We come to know God when we humbly accept his way, the way of the cross.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I do not need to impress you.  I have nothing to boast about, nothing to make any claim to your forgiveness.  In you alone there is salvation.  I come to you and receive your mercy.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 106.44-48

44 Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry.

45 For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

46 He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive.

47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.

48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen! ” Praise the Lord!