October 1

Jeremiah 8–10 is a sobering passage. Jeremiah weeps as he observes the spiritual blindness and stubbornness of his people. They claim to be wise, but have rejected the word of the Lord. Healing is promised, but the people resist it. Jeremiah grieves, saying that there is no balm in Gilead, no physician for the people. He sees the coming judgment and mourns deeply—not only for what’s coming, but for the hardness of heart that made it inevitable.

In chapter 9, God speaks through Jeremiah, calling out the people's false confidence in wisdom, strength, and riches. Instead, God says the one who boasts should boast in understanding and knowing Him—knowing His character as a God of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. Chapter 10 contrasts the living God with lifeless idols, showing the foolishness of trusting in anything other than the Creator.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul shares a deeply personal revelation. After experiencing profound spiritual insight, he was given a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him from becoming proud. He pleads with God to remove it, but God responds, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul comes to embrace this reality, declaring that he will boast in his weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on him. When he is weak, then he is strong.

These passages together invite us into a life of honest humility and surrendered strength. God is not impressed by surface-level spirituality, religious rituals, or personal accomplishments. He is looking for hearts that are broken and dependent, for people who recognize their need and come to Him for healing—even if it means walking with a limp.

We live in a culture that values self-sufficiency and success. But God values surrender. He uses the humble. He works through weakness. And He calls us away from idols—whether they are physical, intellectual, or emotional—and back to the living God who delights in mercy.

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