Hmm, you’re probably thinking of a variety of things to glory in. Of course, we know we don’t glory/boast in ourselves as believers, and we know we should glory in God, but how and for what purpose? Let’s take a look- Romans 4:3 – what saith the Scripture?
Jeremiah 9:23-24 – 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: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
Ah, what divine truth! What glory! This is one of my favorite passages. Many, many, deep divine truths her that Abba Father wants us to know, understand, walk in, and revel in!
First, God reveals three different possible ways man glories in himself- his own intellect, his strength, and his wealth. These may good in and of themselves, but man often rests in those; forgetting the true source them- God.
Instead, God wants us to glory in Him! And how? By understanding and knowing Him. How delightful is that? He wants us to know Him! Wow! He isn’t just a God who says obey my and serve me; no- He wants us to know Him. I’ll delight in that!
And how can we know Him? Here’s the best part. It’s threefold-
- His lovingkindness
- His judgment
- His righteousness
Most of all, above all His attributes God wants us to know His lovingkindness. Why? Because God is love – 1 John 4:8. All of His other attributes, goals, desires, and ways are from His love. Out of His love springs judgment- he wants everyone to be saved and be made righteous.
Out of His judgment springs righteousness:
Isaiah 36:9b – …for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
We often think of judgment as negative; but God’s goal and fruit is righteousness. Who doesn’t want to be righteous? As believers, being righteous feels so freeing; so grateful; and so loving of God for redeeming us. Praise God!
Finally, we see that the Lord delights in these things. Likewise, we should too.
Psalm 37:4 – Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
When I delight in God’s lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness I am overwhelmed! I know Him more and am a deeper partaker of His divine nature.
2 Peter 1:3-4 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.