DAILY?READINGS: Deut. 9 to 10:11; Eccl. 11-12; Luke 9:1-17
He has sent Me…the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit. Isaiah 61:1, 3 (AMP)
In days of old, many pinned their hopes of untold wealth on the “science” of alchemy—the search for immortality and a method to change base metals into pure gold. What these men sought in vain we enjoy on the highest level. The Lord Jesus says, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish” (John 10:28). And not only that, He also is able to take our ashes and in return give us beauty; He can take our mourning and give us the oil of joy and for that which is intended to work us evil, He can and will work our good. —Marilyn MacMullen
He comes “to bind the brokenhearted”; He comes the fainting soul to cheer;
He gives me “oil of joy” for mourning, and “beauty for ashes” here.
—J. G. Crabbe