Rejoice in the Rich Treasures of God’s Grace

Luk 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luk 2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. Luk 2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Luk 2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. Luk 2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Luk 2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. Luk 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. Luk 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Luk 2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. Luk 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

“And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto three, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.” Deuteronomy 26:11.

“Thanksgiving and priase should be expressed to God for temporal blessings and for whatever comforts He bestows upon us. God would have every family that He is preparing to inhabit the etneral mansions above, give glory to Him for the rich treasures of His grace. Were children, in the home life, educated and trained to be grateful to the Giver of all good things, we would see an element of heavnely grace manifest in our families. Cheerfulness would be seen in the home life, and coming from such homes, the youth would bring a spirit of respect and reverence with them into the school-room, and into the church. There would be attendance in the sanctuary where God meets with His people, a reverence for all the ordinances of His worship, and greateful praise and thanksgiving would be offered for all the gifts of his providence. . . .

“Every temporal blessings would be received with gratitude, and every spiritual blessing become doubly precious because the perception of each member of the household had become sanctified by the Word of truth. The Lord Jesus is very near to those who thus appreciate His gracious gifts, tracing all their good things back to the benevolent, loving, care-taking God, and recognizing Him as the great Fountain of all comfort and consolation, the inexhaustible Source of Grace.

“If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have, the great mercy and love of God, we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blesssing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring never failing because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God.”

Sons and Daughters of God, by Ellen White, p. 122, for April 25, 2023.