“Boast in Christ Alone”
You have an incredible opportunity today. I am assuming since you are reading this you are alive and functioning. First take a moment and thank God for today, your life and the opportunity to glorify His Name! We are told in scripture to always rejoice, never stop praying and give thanks in all circumstances, why? God loves you more than you can imagine! Because of the finish work of Jesus Christ on the cross. If you believe in the finished work of Jesus your name has been written in Heaven. As children of God we have an endless supply of reasons to rejoice and be thankful!
Today’s scripture is found in the Book of Jeremiah. The Prophet is reminding God’s people of God’s goodness and blessings. He is telling them the only One worthy to boast in is the Lord! My friends this was written before the cross and sacrifice of Jesus. Think about how much more we have to boast in!
Jeremiah 9:23-24
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!
These words were written by the Prophet Jeremiah but notice, “this is what the Lord says.” These words were given by the Lord to remind His people of the dangers of boasting in anything else but Him. Satan wants to distract God’s children and this is one of the ways he does it. Did you know satan can give you things that look good and appear to come from God. He wants you to take credit for those things. But only God can give perfect gifts, He gives these gifts to bless us and so that we will glorify His name!
The greatest gift God Almighty gave the world is Jesus Christ. By giving Jesus to the world He demonstrated His unfailing love. Only God can offer forgiveness, salvation and freedom! He deserves all the honor, if we are going to boast, Jesus is the only one who is worthy.
This has been a problem since God called the Israelites to be His people. When things became difficult the people would seek and draw near to God the Father. But when He would bless them and they were doing well they would forsake Him and boast in their own wisdom, power and riches. I see this in the church today, I see this at Antioch. Some families and individuals only come to church when things are going bad or when they need something. But when life is going well they don’t see the need to attend. I assure you living like this is dangerous and as we have been learning this month. God will humble the proud but give grace to the humble.
Let me close today by repeating the words of the Apostle Paul found in the Book of Galatians. As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.
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