Tuesday 14 November 2023

23Because God created man for incorruption,and made him an image of his own everlastingness;24but death entered into the world by the envy of the devil,and those who belong to him experience it.1But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God,and no torment will touch them.2In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died.Their departure was considered a disaster,3and their travel away from us ruin,but they are in peace.4For even if in the sight of men they are punished,their hope is full of immortality.5Having borne a little chastening, they will receive great good;because God tested them, and found them worthy of himself.6He tested them like gold in the furnace,and he accepted them as a whole burnt offering.7In the time of their visitation they will shine.They will run back and forth like sparks among stubble.8They will judge nations and have dominion over peoples.The Lord will reign over them forever.9Those who trust him will understand truth.The faithful will live with him in love,because grace and mercy are with his chosen ones.

2I will bless the Lord at all times.His praise will always be in my mouth.3My soul shall boast in the Lord.The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

16The Lord’s eyes are toward the righteous.His ears listen to their cry.17The Lord’s face is against those who do evil,to cut off their memory from the earth.

18The righteous cry, and the Lord hears,and delivers them out of all their troubles.19The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

7But who is there among you,having a servant plowing or keeping sheep,that will say when he comes in from the field,‘Come immediately and sit down at the table’?8Wouldn’t he rather tell him,‘Prepare my supper,clothe yourself properly,and serve me while I eat and drink.Afterward you shall eat and drink’?9Does he thank that servantbecause he did the things that were commanded?I think not.10Even so you also, when you have done all the thingsthat are commanded you,say, ‘We are unworthy servants.We have done our duty.’”