Thursday, November 23, 2017

DAILY READINGS: 2 Chronicles 20:1-37; Ezekiel 39:1-29; John 16:16-33

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

This verse should not be restricted to a funeral where grief is expressed over the death of a loved one. This has much more to do with sorrow over the needs of a fallen world as we see the devastation caused by sin. Also it is sorrowing over the condition of our own lives as we develop a sensitive awareness of our own sinfulness. The result is comfort, just as Lazarus in the story of the rich man was “comforted” (Luke 16), so do we find comfort in Christ. —Paul Young

Death brought the saint release from want, disease and scorn;
And to the land of peace, his soul, by angels borne,
In Abraham’s bosom safely placed, enjoys an everlasting feast. —J. Newton