In Search of Justice and Mercy

“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.” Jeremiah 9: 23, 24. 

As humans, we take pride in our accomplishments. Our expert knowledge in the arts and sciences are astounding. Our harnessing of technology, our understanding of the human body, our exploration of the mysteries of the universe are surpassing impressive! God did make us to take dominion of our world and our accomplishments show this. Here is where the problem sets in: we feel self-actualized— that our accomplishments are the result of our own might; and self-sufficient— we are in need of nothing, no one, no God.

Jeremiah spoke to a people similar to us. A people who felt they were doing well for themselves and needed little more— they had the knowledge, they had the power and influence, and they had the money. With their knowledge, power, and money they could influence and change anything they found unagreeable. Through Jeremiah, God called out to them saying, you may feel your success now but don’t get too boastful, those things are temporal. They can be lost. In a second, the brilliance of the mind can fade, fortunes can be reversed, power and influence lost. 

Those of us who have neither expert knowledge, power, or riches, listen and think with relief, “Phew, I have none of those things. He’s not talking to me.” But let’s not get comfortable and glory in our humility too quickly. God goes on to say, “But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me”

Whether we have knowledge, power, or wealth, God expects an abiding patient love and tolerance of our fellow humans shown in just and fair interactions. In other words, He expects a life aligned with His in right-living.  With or without expert knowledge, power, and riches we are expected to contribute patient kindness, fairness and love to our fellow human beings.

Jeremiah is calling out to all of us isn’t he? Those with knowledge, power, and money and those who in their humble existence feel they can change nothing. He calls us to be contributors of patience, tolerance, caring, fairness thus displaying the light and love of God. 

“‘For in these I delight,’ says the LORD.”

Today’s Goal: To be fair, honest, and merciful in our dealings with all people we meet.