Something to Boast About

While you celebrate the Christmas season with friends and family, expressing joy and thanksgiving, we want to share exciting news. But first, let’s set the mood with this illuminating verse:

“…but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. – Jeremiah 9:24 (NIV)

This verse shows us that knowing the Lord and His purposes is paramount to anything we earthlings strive for. Knowing Him surpasses all human accomplishments.

The Spirit urges believers to boast in the revelation of the Father and His work on earth. In other words, we Christ-followers should revel not only in our own lives, but also in His kindness, justice, and righteousness throughout the world.  If we’re going to boast, this is the thing God says to boast about: That we are in tune with all His work.

Think about this. God calls us to proclaim that we know Him and know how He exercises His kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth. And He takes delight when we do.

What a thought. God cares about our actions in this world, and He wants us to be interested in His actions in this world—so much so that we can boast about being in the know.

THE CURRENT MOVEMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ON EARTH

Now for the exciting news we promised. Today, God expresses His kindness, justice, and righteousness in a unique way many believers may not realize. He accelerates Bible translation at break-neck speed. While translation has continued for centuries, we are now witnessing an unprecedented, urgent acceleration. The Lord’s heart is for every nation and language group to have access to His Word—the source of all truth.

This movement isn’t about creating another modern English version of the Bible. This translation crusade gives people their first Bible in the language they understand best. Nearly one billion people know God’s name yet still miss the chance to grasp His kindness, justice, and righteousness in their heart-language.

This global surge holds indisputable significance for believers today, as Bible translation directly contributes to the Great Commission. Far too many Christians do not realize that this  generation could see the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

For the first time in history, Bible translation agencies around the world, including The Word for the World, join forces—partnering, tracking progress, sharing resources, and uniting as one Body of Christ. Together, we work to ensure  every nation, tribe, people, and language will one day stand before Christ’s throne, just as described in Revelation:

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. – Revelation 7:9 (NIV)

Note the word language in the above verse.

For every language group to know God, they must have His Word—the revelation of His character, love, and plans.

This historic Bible translation movement happens now, while we’re in the Body of Christ on earth at this time and place.

BOASTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This Christmas, we can boast about what the Savior accomplishes in our day, as we know the Lord moves across the world to fulfill the mandate He gave more than 2,000 years ago: the Great Commission, where we are told to go to every nation (Matthew 28:18–20).

So go ahead and boast. But while you proclaim your knowledge of the Lord, please pray or give to encourage this indigenous work. The Lord opens previously closed doors, and we must move quickly to send resources to those organizations delivering God’s Word in all the nations’ heart languages.

Consider giving to The Word for the World today. We’re active in more than 440 Bible translation projects across Africa and Asia, delivering God’s amazing book of truth. Your offerings help translate the Bible, transform lives, improve communities, and bring last-nations people groups to the throne of Christ.

We wish you a merry Christmas and invite you to celebrate this groundbreaking era in Bible translation with us. Together, we will bring every tribe, nation, and tongue the full counsel of God’s Word.