“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” (Jer.9V23-24)
We must boast in the Lord for the gift of His saints, the church of Christ! People of diverse background and make, united only in their purpose to love and obey their Master as they serve one another and extend His kingdom here on earth. What a diverse group!
These are men and women, all saints and apostles – not a nameless, faceless group but – individuals with identity and skills and identifiable roles. No doubt all these qualify for the “Faith Hall of Fame” and I would boast in the Lord for the privilege to know such people and associate with them, serve with them and serve them and together be the type of body that the Lord God can be proud of. How I long to be like one of the following:
- Apelles (v10) to be approved in Christ after been tested
- Prisca & Aquila (v3), a couple that minister together – Lord, thank you for giving me a home that makes a wining team with regards to serving your saints and church and just being available, being there to lend a helping hand
- Gaius (v23) known throughout the church for his hospitality (his support ministry). Even John wrote him a letter commending this service (John 3). Yes I will boast in the Lord for the support of His church and His children like Gaius
The second reason for boasting in the Lord is that our victory is guaranteed and near! (v20). The Lord God will soon crush Satan under our feet by His grace which is continually with us. Even in temptation, he provides a way of escape so that we can bear up under it (1Cor 10v13). Our God, our refuge, the shield of our salvation has procured victory for us.
Finally, our God is able to establish us and He will (v25). Establish us in the faith, in our walk with Him and in service. He has confirmed this by putting His Holy Spirit in us as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come (2 Cor. 1v21-22). This is why we can boast in the Lord.
To Him, the only wise God be glory and honour forever and ever through Jesus Christ the focus of the gospel (v27, 1Tim 1v17). AMEN
