Chapter 2 of Sirach alternates between warning about the trials of serving and following the Lord and sharing the good news of His compassion, mercy, and love.
It calls for sincerity and patience, using the imagery of gold being tested in fire - compared to "worthy men in the crucible of humiliation."
It beckons a study of history, of "generations long past", and realizing that no one who has hoped in the Lord has been disappointed.
It ends with beautiful, comforting imagery... "Let us fall into the hands of the LORD and not into the hands of men, For equal to his majesty is the mercy that he shows."
Falling into the hands of the Lord sounds so peaceful, restful. And that is precisely the point of Sirach 2.
Stay tuned... tomorrow starts to get really good in Chapter 3.
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