Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
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.
Definition of Lord: (Kurios) an owner–one who has the disposal of anything. Master–one to whom service is due on any ground
(Despote): one who has absolute power or ownership.
What do today’s texts speak to you about your relationship with Christ, the Lord?
What may you need to do/how may you need to change in response to how your Lord speaks to your heart from these passages?
Lord, You have given me so very much. I have a beautiful home, I have had great jobs where I have been financially successful, I have the freedoms to make choices as to what I want to do for a job, who I want to marry, how many children I want to have, where I want to go to school, what type of house I want to purchase, where I want to travel, and where I want to worship You. Not all people have those opportunities and freedoms. These are not entitlements but privileges and gifts from You. So often I take these gifts for granted and instead of being thankful I begin to take credit for the choices I make and the goodness that I receive. I am such a sinner, please forgive me for my selfish pride. Please help me to step back in humbleness and soak in Your amazing Grace. You made the choice to leave Your throne to be born as a child to save my sins. I want to live my life in a way that boasts about Your mercy and forgiveness and brings honor to You. Let me delight in kindness, justice, and righteousness before delighting in my personal wealth so that I may please You. Happy Birthday, Jesus. Amen