East Memphis Church of Christ

Understanding God from the book of Jeremiah pt1

Understanding God from the book of Jeremiah pt 1

Jeremiah 9:23

by Ruben Williams

 

 

Thus saith 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: 

 

If we want to know more about God this verse will give us an idea of what God likes. Jeremiah is talking to the nations in (Jer 1:5) and thorough the entire book he is warning the people to repent. In chapter nine he gives us a glimpse of the personality of God. Often times man will glory or take pride in the fact that he or she has an education. Though it is not wrong with wanting to gain knowledge our goal in life should not be to attain secular knowledge but to have a proper understanding of God’s word (Ps 119:99)  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.  Furthermore men sometimes tend to make a big to do about the amount of power they posses. God says that men are not to be prideful or glory in there might. The fact is that no matter how much power a man possesses on earth he is nothing compared to God. God is all powerful and who can withstand his fury (Nah 1:5-6) The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.  Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. Though men my be physically strong and some may be influentially strong, he is not man stronger than God. In addition to that, being rich seems to be a major focus or goal in our country and society. But God says not to glory in riches (to glory means to exalt). Jesus said (Matt 6:19-21) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Where our main focus in life is, there our heart will be also. And if we glory in wisdom, might, or riches, then our total dedication, (heart) will not be to serve God. (Matt 6:24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. We must make a choice, either to glory in riches, might, a