June 2, 2021

June 2, 2021

Sharing from the congregation: David Petty

Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast, boast in this, that they understand and know me that I am the Lord, I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord. —Jeremiah 9:23-24

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. —Second Corinthians 10:27

Most of us would consider boasting a sin, though we would admit that it’s a useful talent in certain fields such advertising and politics.  Isaiah, other prophets, and psalms speak positively of a certain kind of boasting, and so does the New Testament, especially in Second Corinthians.  I find Isaiah’s discussion particularly meaningful.

Isaiah lists three of the things we tend to boast about — if we aren’t richer or more powerful than others, at least we can claim we’re smarter.  In contrast to this “triad,” he presents the golden triad of the Old Testament: hesed, mispat, and tzedaqa (unchanging love, justice, and righteousness.)  It’s O.K. to boast as long as we boast about the right things.

It helps, of course, if reality backs up your boast.  On October 1, 1932, Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate and pointed with his bat in the direction of midfield.  After two strikes, he hit a home run in exactly the direction he had indicated.  There is still debate about what he meant by pointing — he never said —but the story (known as “the called shot”) is photographically documented and is part of baseball lore, and when it is told it usually is not interpreted as bragging.  Instead it’s considered an example of his athletic prowess.

We may not usually have photographic evidence of God’s love, justice, and righteousness, but I think we do have enough to make us confident in its truth.  If we (not just pastors, but all of us) are going to be spokespersons for the gospel, boasting can be a useful talent for us too.

Gracefully submitted,
David Petty