Boast in the Lord

Jeremiah 9:23-24, AMP

"Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches; But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:31, AMP

"So then, as it is written, Let him who boasts and proudly rejoices and glories, boast and proudly rejoice and glory in the Lord."

2 Corinthians 10:17, AMP

"However, let him who boasts and glories boast and glory in the Lord."

 

2 Corinthians 10 - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible seeks the glory of God, and to be approved of Him.

"If we would compare ourselves with others who excel us, this would be a good method to keep us humble. The apostle fixes a good rule for his conduct; namely, not to boast of things without his measure, which was the measure God had distributed to him. There is not a more fruitful source of error, than to judge of persons and opinions by our own prejudices. How common is it for persons to judge of their own religious character, by the opinions and maxims of the world around them! But how different is the rule of God's word! And of all flattery, self-flattery is the worst. Therefore, instead of praising ourselves, we should strive to approve ourselves to God. In a word, let us glory in the Lord our salvation, and in all other things only as evidences of his love, or means of promoting his glory. Instead of praising ourselves, or seeking the praise of men, let us desire that honour which cometh from God only."

About this commentary:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain.

Consider Their End

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-11, KJV (no commentary)

 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

The Former Things

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:18-19

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure,” Isaiah 46:9-10

There are two passages in Isaiah where God tells us not to remember the past and the other where He tells us to remember the past. I find this interesting as we approach a new year, leaving behind things that may have caused us pain as well as those things that may have prompted us to cry with joy. In all things give thanks unto the Lord for His faithfulness.

The first passage: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old…” In the preceding verses God makes plain how He paves the way for us. “I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow,” Isaiah 43:15-17, KJV. As I read this, I thought about Moses being led by God in taking the people out of Egypt. The literal description of how the Red Sea was parted and how God shielded them as they crossed over. Think about this for a moment. Imagine a wall of roaring sea waters encompassed on both sides of you as you walk a path looking ahead. It could be quite intimidating, especially knowing that the enemy is pursuing you from behind. In this, the message of focusing on God resonates so loudly, one can hardly ignore. Look ahead to where our help comes from, just as Peter was being taught by God—the Son, Jesus Christ.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” Psalm 23:4. Remember that rod Moses held, it was only activated with the anointing from God. Notice here that the rod and staff comforts. This comfort comes from God—the Holy Spirit. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you,” John 14:26, KJV. Take a look back at Exodus 14:14-16, AMP, “The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the Israelites shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.”

But then God states to recall those things of the past. It is interesting because I see it as how much He’s done, yet still more that He will do. In the midst of putting away the former things, He also instructs to remember the former things. Well, both scriptures shed light on the way we’re to live in this world today. We should focus on the goodness of the Lord and understand that He is still fully able to perform miracles. It did not stop in the Old Testament; it did not end when Jesus left Earth because God is still here. His Holy Spirit resides here, making intercessions on our behalf. “…for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” He wants us to remember His faithfulness, but also to understand His love. Recall those things of the past, but know that the past trials should not keep you from seeking Him now.

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:13-14, KJV.