“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, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 9:24
The prophet pretty much says it all! In a world that encourages us to brag and boast about all manner of accomplishments, certificates, awards, promotions, and the accumulation of stuff, there’s one thing that truly matters and is worth telling the world…. that we know the Lord AND understand Him.
To know and understand the Lord means beginning to be reshaped into alignment with His virtues, priorities, and passions. It’s to be moved and motivated by what concerns and delights the Lord. What’s that??? Steadfast, faithful love. Justice, particularly for the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed. Righteousness, true personal holiness and obedience to God’s will and commands.
These are God’s delights. These find their ultimate expression and fulfillment at the cross of Christ, when Jesus, the perfectly righteous Son of God, willingly gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins. At the cross, Jesus atoned for our sins and made us righteous in Him. These fundamental attributes of God are what Christ died for and what we’re commanded to live for, pursue, and proclaim.
Love, justice, and righteousness aren’t modern-day social constructs. They aren’t secondary concerns divorced from the Gospel. These are the things God delights in! If you truly know and understand anything about the Lord, they must also be your delight, your pursuit, your passion, and your proclamation. They must be the story of your new life in Christ. If they aren’t, then you’ve got nothing to brag about, because you’re clearly missing the heart of God!