My parents taught me not to brag. I’m not sure of the exact words they used, but it was clear that you did not heap praise on yourself and if others did, you received it graciously, while seeming to not be overly pleased. I’m uncertain where confidence ends and bragging begins. Muhammad Ali said, “It’s not bragging if you can back it up.” However whatever you call it, I know that what I am inclined to boast about is a good indication of where I find my personal identity. In spite of my upbringing, if I’m honest, I will admit that on occasion, I attempt to steer a conversation in a direction that enables me to do my share of polite and acceptable boasting. If I take note of my words, I can gain valuable insight into how I view my own identity. I don’t believe that I am wading in deeply to the waters of psychology when I state that identity is foundational to how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. Many of the issues that we face individually and as a society at large can be traced to this fundamental understanding of who we are. In light of that, listen to these words recorded by the Jewish prophet Jeremiah.
Thus says the Lord: “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises loving-kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NASB®)
Jeremiah, with all the prophetic authority of “Thus says the Lord,” calls our attention to three types of people who may be tempted to boast; and again what is boasting if not fundamentally an outward expression of our self perceived identity. This identity or boasting as described here is based on the possession of wisdom, riches and might. These correlate well with our modern day obsession with education and wealth. Whether “might” speaks of power or the physical side of life both, are equally present in our modern day world and are highly valued. Not much has changed since the days of Jeremiah. These traits continue to be held in high regard, often forming the basis for self-worth or identity. Their absence can be a misguided reason for self-loathing.
In a world that grows seemingly more complex every day, where we are conditioned to view the simple with skepticism, let me suggest that our identity can be rightfully grounded in only one place.
but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me,
When we know and understand God we are free to boast about in that reality. Here we discover the true source of our identity; here we find true North and the bedrock for our soul. I may not possess wisdom, wealth, power or physical prowess, and yet here is an invitation to boast in something that lies in an entirely different dimension. God has fashioned me to find my true self not in the physical, intellectual or material realm, but rather in whom I know. Boasting in the temporal looks to many sources but is ultimately found to be fleeting and empty. The boasting spoken of by the prophet, and the personal identity that it reveals looks only to God. This identity is solid and unchanging because the immutable God is without beginning or end.
The obvious question is: What does it mean to know God? The Hebrew word for “know” is much more than head knowledge or even the wisdom referenced earlier in the passage. It speaks of an experiential knowing, and points us to the intimacy of marriage. This deep knowledge of God is fundamentally relational, not academic.
Yes, God clearly desires that we know Him and He does not leave this to our imagination. Speaking in the first person he describes himself.
I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.
The Lord defines himself by his actions. He is the One who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness. Lovingkindness is an English translation for the Hebrew chesed. It speaks of God’s covenant keeping love particularly in relation to his people Israel. It is a rich word full of images that enfold us in the reality of a Father who both loves, disciplines, forgives and ultimately makes a way for all who want to find a relationship with Him. Justice and righteousness when linked speak of God’s heart for those at the margins of society. In a culture where wealth was viewed as a sign of God’s approval (again some things just don’t change), the Lord describes himself as one whose heart extends first and foremost to those who are without an advocate. I am reminded of the words of a college professor of mine who warned his student of being on the wrong side of God, for He is a defender of the widow and the orphan. Those of us who would boast that we know God must remember that God is active. He exercise his lovingkindness, justice and righteousness, certainly not grudgingly or out of some sense of moral duty; rather He delights in these things. The implications are evident for those of us who claim to know Him.
In less than seventy-five words, and a character count that could be contained in about two tweets, the text touches on purpose, identity and the character of God. Some 2,500 years after it was written, these verses speak with both profound simplicity and powerful relevance to our quest to discover and understand our own identity. In a world all too often characterized by futile searches for personal fulfillment, the words of God show us a very different way; our search ends in knowing Him. I think my parents would be okay with this kind of bragging.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 14:3 (NIV)
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