“Thus says 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 glories glory in this: That he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord Who exercises loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth—for in these things I delight, says the Lord’.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24
When our focus is right, so will our worship be.
The Hebrew word “hallel” is used for “glory” in today’s Manna and from it we get our word “hallelujah” (hallel=“praise” + Jah—short form of Jehovah/Yahweh=“the Lord”). However, when we realize the word also means “to be clear in sound and color, to shine, make a show, boast in, clamor over, rave, celebrate, give praise to, to be of renown, etc.,” it takes on a much larger meaning.
God’s words to Jeremiah over “misplaced glory” definitely need to be heard and heeded today. Look at His words once again:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom.” When we apply the expanded meaning of the word “glory,” we realize how often we violate our Lord’s admonition. How we “make a show of boast in, clamor over, give rave reviews to, etc.,” over advanced degrees. . .accolades such as the Nobel Peace Prize. . .scientific breakthroughs, etc. But such glorying is sinful and takes the focus off the One from Whom such true wisdom comes (James 3:13-18).
“Neither let the mighty man glory in his might.” This deals with physical prowess, whether it be feats of strength, athletic ability or one’s military capabilities. Truly, we pride ourselves upon such things, but none of our “proud power prowess” can compare to manifestations of God’s power in the form of earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, etc. How we should always remember He’s God and we’re not!
“Let not the rich man glory in his riches.” How we crave “worldly wealth”. . .gold and silver . . .rubies, diamonds and pearls. . .large houses, lots of land, financial portfolios, etc. But, when it’s all said and done, all of these earthly treasures will one day succumb to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21). And, they certainly will be left to someone else when our time here on earth is through.
That’s why we should be sure that we “glory in the Lord by remembering Who He is—the Great I Am—and exercises loving-kindness (compassion/mercy/steadfast love), judgment and righteousness in the earth.” Everyone else on earth may fail us, but He never will. Therefore, our “rave reviews” about anything or anyone should always be about Him, dear Pilgrim.
Him.
The Lord Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul knew this and that’s why he wrote, “God forbid that I should glory except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14). He knew the Risen Lord didn’t send him into the world to do anything except “preach the Gospel. . . Jesus and Him crucified. . .so our faith would not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (I Cor. 1:17b; 2:2, 5). Amen and amen. Hallelujah!!!
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated November 2, 2009
