Wednesday, December 7, 2016

DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 1-2; Daniel 4; 3 John

Jesus wept. John 11:35
Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Two of the shortest verses in the Bible, yet with profound lessons. Jesus wept, not only at the loss of his friend Lazarus in death, but because He saw the effects of sin, “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death” (Rom. 6:23). But, if we accept God’s salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, we can be assured that He will remove our transgressions “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps. 103:12). He will remember our sins no more. Is that not worth rejoicing about? —Bob Cretney

Rejoice in the Lord! Oh, let His mercy cheer;
He sunders the bands that enthrall;
Redeemed by His blood, why should we ever fear,
Since Jesus is our all in all? —G. M. J.