Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
To the Director: To the tune of[a] “Do not Destroy!”
A psalm of Asaph. A song.
Praise to God for Justice
75 We praise you, God!
We praise you[b]—your presence[c] draws near—
as we declare your wonderful deeds.
2 “At the time that I choose
I will judge the righteous.[d]
3 While the earth and all its inhabitants melt away,
it is I who keep its pillars firm.”
4 I will say to the proud, “Don’t brag,”
and to the wicked,
“Don’t vaunt your strength.[e]
5 Don’t use your strength to fight heaven[f]
or speak from stubborn arrogance.”[g]
6 For exaltation comes not from the east,
the west, or the wilderness,
7 since God is the judge.
This one he will debase or that one he will exalt.
8 For there is a cup in the hand of the Lord,
foaming with well-mixed wine
that he will pour out, leaving only the dregs,
from which all the wicked of the earth will drink.
The End Times
12 “‘At that time, Michael[a] will arise, the great prince who will stand up on behalf of your people, and a time of trouble will come like there has never been since nations began until that time. Also at that time, your people will be delivered—everyone who will have been written in the book. 2 Many of those who are sleeping in the dust of the earth will awaken—some to life everlasting, and some to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who manifest wisdom will shine like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine[b] like the stars for ever and ever. 4 Now as for you, Daniel, roll up your scroll and seal your words until the time of the end. Many will rush around, while knowledge increases.’”
The Vision of the Two Speakers
5 “Then while I, Daniel, continued watching, suddenly two others stood there, one on this side of the river bank and one on the other side. 6 One asked the man dressed in linen clothes, who was standing[c] above the waters of the river, ‘How long until the fulfillment of the wonders?’
7 “I heard the man dressed in linen clothes, who was standing[d] above the waters of the river as he lifted his right and left hands to heaven and swore by the one who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and a half. When the shattering of the power of the holy people has occurred, all these things will conclude.”
Daniel’s Unanswered Question
8 “I heard, but I didn’t understand. So I asked, ‘Sir,[e] what happens next?’
9 “He answered, ‘Go on your way, Daniel, because these matters[f] are wrapped up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, cleansed, and refined, though the wicked will continue to act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand. Nevertheless, the insightful[g] will understand. 11 There will be[h] 1,290 days from the time the regular burnt offering[i] is rescinded and the destructive desolation established. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres and attains to the 1,335 days. 13 Now as for you, keep on going until the end—you’ll rest and then rise to receive your reward at the end of the age.’”[j]
Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant
15 When Jesus became aware of this, he left that place. Many crowds[a] followed him, and he healed all of them, 16 ordering them not to make him known. 17 This was to fulfill what was declared by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
18 “Here is my Servant whom I have chosen,
whom I love, and with whom I am pleased!
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice[b] to unbelievers.[c]
19 He will not quarrel or shout,
and no one will hear him shouting[d] in the streets.
20 He will not snap off a broken reed
or snuff out a smoldering wick
until he has brought justice[e] through to victory.
21 And in his name unbelievers[f] will hope.”[g]
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