Jeremiah 9:23-24 - True Wisdom, Strength, and Wealth.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 “This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom  or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD.”

It is difficult at times to think of how we really are to act, what we are to talk about. Using God-given strength, is it boasting? Is it boasting when you start claiming it as your own?  When one has wealth, is it boasting to use it freely?  God gives blessings and gifts and expects for them to get used. He expects that the wise man will share wisdom, the strong man will use strength, and the rich man will use his money. He expects it! The line gets drawn, however, when the gifts become internalized and become a part of the person being gifted rather than being understood as a gift. When the wise man relies on his wisdom and knowledge rather than on the giver of it, when the strong man's strength becomes his crutch rather than his gift, when the wealth of the rich man is used only for the benefit of the wealthy man himself, then they are misusing their gifts.

People have been looking at what they have as being part of what is important in their lives. Their cars, their houses, their clothes, their jobs. This is now common practice! Gifts and blessings becoming integral parts of a person's self-image! For some, though, there is a realization that has arrived and they stop singing “These are a few of my favorite things” and start singing “How Great Thou Art.”  Their very lives they have discovered to be a blessing with every breath a gift. Fervent thanks are now given for every crust of bread rather than previous complaints about even a slightly burnt special dish. Gratefulness for them has become the norm rather than the exception with the real things of value being understood. They have learned it is not about things, clothes, toys, houses, and cars, but rather about people, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

This week then, will you relearn the same lesson that these few people have learned and paid a high price for?  Its never easy, but it is always worthwhile.  When God's might and majesty are shown, all else fades away. Where God's kindnesses flood, all else pales. While His righteousness is manifestly evident, all else withers. With God's justice, blessings accompany it. His delight makes everything glorious, even the debris of disaster in our lives! We can – no, we must – marvel at the works of His hands! It changes lives and all we can do is be thankful, yet it is enough. Of a certainty, it is enough, and it is a start!

Lord, the feelings are not the same,
I guess I'm older, I guess I've changed.
And how I wish it had been explained,
That as you're growing you must remember,
That nothing lasts, except the grace of God,
by which I stand, in Jesus.
I know that I would surely fall away,
Except for grace, by which I'm saved.
                                               Keith Green, 1980.