February 23, 2024

February 23: Heavenly Happiness.

The Savior Delights in Bringing Us Rest and Peace.
"You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."--Hebrews 1:9, NIV

THERE ARE MANY who have an erroneous idea of the life and character of Christ.  They think that He was devoid of warmth and sunniness, that He was stern, severe, and joyless.  In many cases the whole religious experience is colored by these gloomy views.

It is often said that Jesus wept, but that He was never known to smile.  Our Saviour was indeed a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief, for He opened His heart to all the woes of men.  But though His life was self-denying and shadowed with pain and care, His spirit was not crushed.  His countenance did not wear an expression of grief and repining, but ever one of peaceful serenity.  His heart was a wellspring of life, and wherever He went He carried rest and peace, joy and gladness.--Steps to Christ, 120.

                       "In the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven
              over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons
                               who do not need to repent."
                                                                       --Luke 15:7, NIV

                                After he has suffered,
                     he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
                by his knowledge my righteousness will justify many,
                             and he will bear their iniquities.
                              
                                         --Isaiah 53:11, NIV