2 Chronicles 26:1-23; Ezekiel 43:1-27; John 19:17-42
Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. Matt. 9:2b
Five times, the Lord uses the phrase “Be of good cheer” or “Be encouraged”. The first two relate to salvation, this man forgiven and later in this chapter, a woman made whole (Matt. 9:22). Twice He used them while speaking to His disciples; once while they strained in a stormy sea (Mark 6:50) and once in the upper room as He encouraged them concerning the challenges of this world (John 16:33). Finally, Paul, in prison hears these wonderful words from the Lord in heaven (Acts 23:11). We can be encouraged to know our sins are forgiven; that the Lord is with us in the storms of life; that He has overcome the world; and that our future is in His hands. —Gary McBride
No one understands like Jesus, when the foes of life assail;
You should never be discouraged, Jesus cares and will not fail. —J. W. Peterson