Here is true wisdom and here is true glory! Jeremiah 9:23-24 says the following:
"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."
Our only glory, our only HOPE is that we know God! It's not just about an intellectual relationship, it's about a relationship. This "knoweth" is the same Hebrew word as is used when Adam first "knew" his wife. It is an intimate knowing, an intimate understanding.
As we have been reading in Jeremiah, we've been seeing that judgement is coming upon the land. God's people have turned away. Their hearts have compromised with the world. Yet, in this passage of Jeremiah 9:24, we are reminded afresh of God's compassion and hesitancy to punish His people.
Ellen White writes the following:
"The unwillingness of the Lord to chastise is here vividly shown. He stays His judgments that He may plead with the impenitent. He who exercises 'loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth' yearns over His erring children; in every way possible He seeks to teach them the way of life everlasting. Jeremiah 9:24. He had brought the Israelites out of bondage that they might serve Him, the only true and living God. Though they had wandered long in idolatry and had slighted His warnings, yet He now declares His willingness to defer chastisement and grant yet another opportunity for repentance. He makes plain the fact that only by the most thorough heart reformation could the impending doom be averted. In vain would be the trust they might place in the temple and its services. Rites and ceremonies could not atone for sin. Notwithstanding their claim to be the chosen people of God, reformation of heart and of the life practice alone could save them from the inevitable result of continued transgression." (Prophets and Kings, p. 413)There are many things we could glory in... and people do. But there's no power in strength, in worldly wisdom, in wealth or influence. Our only power and safety is in the fact that we know God. Let us not walk our only path any longer. As Jeremiah 10:23 reminds us, "It is not in man that walketh to direct His steps."
We need a reformation of heart and life! We need to fall in love again with our Lord!
Tomorrow's Reading: Jeremiah 11-12 and John 5
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