Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
9 Be gracious to me, Lord,
for I am in distress.
My eyes have been consumed by my grief
along with my soul and my body.
10 My life is consumed by sorrow,
my years with groaning.
My strength has faltered because of my iniquity;[a]
my bones have been consumed.
11 I have become an object of reproach to all my enemies,
especially to my neighbors.
I have become an object of fear to my friends,
and whoever sees me outside runs away from me.
12 Like a dead man, I am forgotten in their thoughts[b]—
like broken pottery.
13 I have heard the slander of many;
it is like terror all around me,
as they conspire together and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, Lord.
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands.
Deliver me from the hands of my enemies
and from those who pursue me.
16 May your face shine on your servant;
in your gracious love, deliver me.
Job Resolves to Present His Case
13 “Don’t talk to me! It’s my turn to speak;
then whatever happens, happens.
14 Why shouldn’t I bite my flesh
or take my life in my hands?
15 Even though he kills me,
I’ll continue to hope in him.
At least I’ll be able to argue my case[a] to his face!
16 I have this as my salvation:
the godless person won’t be appearing before him.
17 Pay attention[b] to what I have to say
and listen to my testimony with your own ears.”
Job Presents His Conditions
21 For to me, to go on living is the Messiah,[a] and to die is gain. 22 Now if I continue living, fruitful labor is the result, so I do not know which I would prefer. 23 Indeed, I cannot decide between the two. I have the desire to leave this life and be with the Messiah,[b] for that is far better. 24 But for your sake it is better that I remain alive.[c]
25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will continue to live and be with all of you, so you will mature in the faith and know joy in it. 26 Then your rejoicing in the Messiah[d] Jesus will increase along with mine[e] when I visit with you again.
Standing Firm in One Spirit
27 The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Messiah.[f] Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I may hear all about you—that you are standing firm in one spirit, struggling with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and that you are not intimidated by your opponents in any way. This is evidence that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved—and all because of[g] God. 29 For you have been given the privilege[h] for the Messiah’s[i] sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. 30 You have the same struggle that you saw in me and now hear that I am still having.[j]
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