December 14

This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. — Jer 9:23-24 BSB

We are allowed to glory, but in whom and in what? Certainly not in ourselves—that is forever nullified. The Lord has decreed to pour contempt on all human glory so that no one should boast in themselves, no matter their achievements or qualities. But when a person has a glimpse of the Son of God in His beauty, His suitability, His grace, and His divine glory, then they can and should glory in the Lord. They can say, "What a Lord there is above! How glorious is He in His excellence, His suitability, and His blessedness; how glorious His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption! Let all my glory be in Him; let me not take a single speck of glory for myself. If I have wisdom, it's because He is my wisdom; if I am righteous, it's because He is my righteousness; if I bear any fruit of the Spirit, it's because He is my sanctification; if I am redeemed from death and hell, let the glory of my redemption be His."

This is the way God wants us to glory—in His dear Son. Sooner or later, the Lord brings all His people to this place. He gives them such insight into the effects of the fall, the misery of sin, and their own helplessness, and such gracious views of His dear Son, that they are weaned from boasting in themselves and begin to glory in the Lord as their salvation and desire. It may take a long and difficult journey of discipline, but the Lord is determined to glorify His Son, and when we glorify Him, we are aligned with Christ and are doing the will of God.