BOAST IN THE CREATOR, NOT IN SELF
BOAST IN THE CREATOR, NOT IN SELF
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
It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. —Jeremiah 10:12
I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. —Jeremiah 10:23
When thinking of the origins of all things— the heavens and the earth— how would you finish this— In the beginning _____________? How you fill that in determines the reasons you do what you do… or should. How would I fill it in? That’s easy… In the beginning “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) and that determines the way I seek to live my life, the life He gave me.
Yes God—
- Made the earth by His power
- Established the world by His wisdom
- By his understanding stretched out the heavens
- Directs the steps of man
It is true, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalm 7:23). What is true about those who follow the Lord are also true of those who do not— “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9) and “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?” (Proverbs 20:24).
In yet, in all this—
- 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
No, the one thing man is to boast about is “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.” Yes, let us be wise in the Lord and not in the world’s wisdom which says—
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” —I Corinthians 1:18-25
The Creator and Sustainer of all things is the One in control. You and I are not. And yet, He has given us responsibility to make decisions. May you and I make decisions according to His will and not according to our will. Yes, Dear Father, may this be so in the guidance of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmZTz5H49zw