01.25.12 “Stay humble, seek God”

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 9:23-24

23 This is what the LORD says:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom

or the strong boast of their strength

or the rich boast of their riches,

24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:

that they have the understanding to know me,

that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,

justice and righteousness on earth,

for in these I delight,”

declares the LORD.

Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com

Reflection Questions

The time of Jeremiah’s ministry is described as “a period of storm and stress when the doom of entire nations — including Judah itself — was being sealed.” Though the exact date of his death remains unknown, it is believed that Jeremiah lived to see a portion of his prophecy fulfilled in the Babylonian conquest of Judah, which sent a large number of the Israelites into exile in 586 BC.

• In yesterday’s reading, we highlighted Micah’s instructions to “walk humbly with God.” Jeremiah strikes a similar tone by warning against boasting in “wisdom, strength of riches.” Why does God emphasize humility so strongly throughout the scriptures?
• In verse 24, Jeremiah says that if we boast, it should be that we “understand and know” God. If God is as Jeremiah describes him in the second half of verse 24, how well would you say you know and understand God?

Weekly Prayer

Lord, we live in your world. Your word reminds us that you have called us to be “the light” in this world and “the salt of the earth.” In spite of our differences and in the midst of our struggles, help us to be living witnesses of your grace and love. We pray today, Lord, for your kingdom to come into our lives that we may be used to bring your kingdom into the world. AMEN.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.