Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Wed., 7/13/11 Devotion (Jer. 9:23-24)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 9:23 & 24, where these great words are found:

"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, judg-
ment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,' says the LORD."

What do *we* "glory in"? God created us to enjoy and revel in a Reality so great, wonderful, and worthy, that there would be no danger of it leading us into pride or idolatry. That Reality, of course, is the Lord Himself. There is nothing wrong with delighting in subordinate bles-
sings, like wisdom, might, or even riches--so long as our #1 pleasure is Christ the Lord.

Do we "understand and know" the true God? If so, then we have good cause to "glory."

[Puritan quote of the day: "Unless your restraint of sin extends to in-
ward and bosom sins as well as to open and notorious crimes, you can-
not conclude that the power of mortifying grace is upon your heart."
--Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]