Boasting in the Right Direction

“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” -Jeremiah 9:23–24 

We live in a way that really is all about us. Our ability, our record, our wits. We are constantly concerned about what we get out of this or that; we are quick to feel victimized when things don't go the way we planned. We look for ourselves in photographs before other people. We love to tell and hear stories about us. We hunger for our name to be mentioned by others, and notoriety is only a few good opinions away. 

This is us still in our flesh, riding the flow of our culture and worried about number one. 

Jesus invites us to something so much better. To a life of boasting and being content in him. To being interested in others because the Savior was interested in us. To holding our accolades and accomplishments lightly and being more enamored by the finished work of Jesus. To knowing Jesus and knowing that that knowledge is something to cherish. 

Today, let's look all the more to Jesus. Be confident in his work on the cross for you and the adoption you enjoy in him. Delight in him as he delights in you.

Always the Same; Always Under Grace

“For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” -Jeremiah 2:13

This is the human story. We are inherently inclined to forsake our creator and attempt to find fulfillment, rest, and real life in lesser things. The list could be quite long. Maybe we labor toward success in business, thinking it will satisfy. Perhaps we strive toward a perfect public persona, thinking will finally make us feel whole. These are examples of the “cisterns” we have hewed for ourselves. In pursuit of our self-constructed sources of life, we turn our backs on the only true source. God has not left us hopeless, however; there is a way back to him as the fountain. Even as we draw dust from these broken cisterns, Jesus stands ready to pour out more of his living water for us, to refresh and bring us back to God. His grace says that we are forgiven and made righteous in him, regardless of how many broken cisterns we have frequented.

The grace of Jesus is our hydration; it quenches our lingering thirst, and the more we embrace him as the fountain of living waters, the less we run to the idols that leave us parched and dying.

Today, do you feel drawn toward lesser things? Draw again from the well of grace, and drink deeply of Jesus' living water for you. Know you are covered, welcomed, and secure in Christ. Then dance in the rain of his abundant grace for you.