Boasting in God

Jim:

Psalms 34
Verse 2a says, “My soul makes its boast in the Lord…” One of the dangers of our self-reliant, individualistic society is that too often we put our confidence in our own efforts. We celebrate the accomplishments of athletes, too, and self-made men and women. But the psalmist puts his confidence in God and goes so far as to “boast in the Lord.” I admit that I have rolled my eyes a time or two when an athlete has been interviewed after a game and has thanked God or Jesus Christ for his accomplishments. But that may be as close to boasting in the Lord as some people come, and perhaps we all should pay attention and follow suit.

Genesis 37:12-24
As Joseph’s brothers conspire to kill him they say, “and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” Had Joseph’s dreams been of his own design, had he put on airs based on his own conceit, then this would likely have been the end of things for Joseph. But the dreams were not Joseph’s own, they were God’s gift to him and, in a manner of speaking, his “boast (was) in the Lord.” As grim a situation as it was, it was in the hands of God and the brothers ultimately could not end the dream.

1 Corinthians 1:20-31
Paul also calls his readers to trust in the power of God over and against human power. God choose the weak and the foolish and the despised through which to work in the world in order to shame that which the world considers strong, wise, and reputable, “so that no one might boast in the presence of God” (v. 29), adding, “as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’” (v. 31).

Mark 1:14-28
Verse 28 says of Jesus, “At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.” This fame, of course, is based on his power to heal and to teach with authority. The fact that Jesus was the Son of God remained hidden to most of the people, even when the demons shouted it aloud. But earlier in the passage Jesus had called Peter, Andrew, James, and John away from their professions, away from relying on their ability to provide for themselves, with the worlds, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people” (v. 17). Discipleship, trust in God’s work in Jesus, is to be their new occupation. They will be challenged to make their boast in God and what God is doing in their midst, not because of Jesus’ ability to heal, but because he is the Son of God.