THE TRUE CAUSE FOR GLORYING.
Jer. ix, 23, 24: “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Luke x, 20: “Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in Heaven.” These passages point out the real cause for rejoicing on the part of the people of God. It is not found in the greatness of their wisdom, nor of their strength, nor of their riches. Neither is it found in their power to cast out the unclean spirits, and to perform miracles. But this is the cause of that glorying which will never be a snare to man; “Let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me.” “Rather rejoice because your names are written in Heaven.” This kind of rejoicing will not expose us to the dangerous assaults of the devil. We may glory in the knowledge of God and not thereby become puffed up with vain conceit. We may rejoice that our names are written in the book of life, and still bear in mind the fact that unless we continue to overcome they will be eventually blotted out. The only safe rejoicing is that which conforms to David’s rule; Ps. ii, 11: “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”