July 7, 2023 - Jeremiah 9-11

“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’” (9:23,24). Amen and amen!

To his people, the Lord said, “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity” (10:2,3). Their gods are worthless sticks and stones. On the other hand, of the Lord, we say: “There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might” (10:6). Amen and amen!

Jeremiah begins to describe Israel’s God. What a wonderful picture he paints! He is the king of the nations. He is wise. He is the true God. He is the everlasting King. “It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out his heavens” (10:12). He has made all things. There is none like him. Amen and amen!

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

to his feet your tribute bring.

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

evermore his praises sing.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise the everlasting King!

Praise him for his grace and favor

to his people in distress.

Praise him, still the same as ever,

slow to chide, and swift to bless.

Alleluia, alleluia!

Glorious in his faithfulness! -- Henry Francis Lyte (1834)