Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
Teth
Praise for God’s Word
65 Lord, you have dealt well with your servant,
according to your word.
66 Teach me both knowledge and appropriate discretion,
because I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was humbled, I wandered away,
but now I observe your words.
68 Lord,[a] you are good[b], and do what is good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have accused me falsely;
but I will observe your precepts wholeheartedly.
70 Their minds are clogged as with greasy fat,
but I find joy in your instruction.[c]
71 It was for my good that I was humbled;[d]
so that I would learn your statutes.
72 Instruction[e] that comes from you[f] is better for me
than thousands of gold and silver coins.[g]
Shishak Invades Judah(A)
12 At the height of his power, after he had consolidated his rule, Rehoboam abandoned the Lord’s Law, along with all of Israel with him. 2 Because he had been unfaithful to the Lord, during the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem 3 with 1,200 chariots and 60,000 cavalry. The Lubim, Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians who invaded from Egypt with Shishak[a] were innumerable. 4 Shishak[b] captured the fortified cities of Judah and invaded as far as Jerusalem.
5 Right then, Shemaiah the prophet approached Rehoboam and the princes of Judah who had gathered together in Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he told them, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You abandoned me, so I’ve abandoned you to Shishak.’”
6 In response, the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and declared, “The Lord is righteous.”
7 When the Lord observed that they had humbled themselves, the Lord spoke to Shemaiah, “They have humbled themselves, so I won’t destroy them. Instead, I’ll grant them some deliverance by not pouring out my indignation on Jerusalem, using Shishak to do it. 8 Nevertheless, they will become his slaves so they may learn to differentiate between what it means to serve me and to serve the kingdoms of these nations.” 9 So King Shishak of Egypt invaded Jerusalem and looted the treasure stores in the Lord’s Temple and in the royal palace. He took everything, including the golden shields that Solomon had made. 10 After this, King Rehoboam made shields out of bronze to take their place, committing them to the care and custody of the commanders of those who guarded the entrance to the royal palace. 11 As often as the king entered the Lord’s Temple, the guards came and transported the shields[c] to the Temple[d] and then brought them back to the guard’s quarters. 12 After he had humbled himself, the Lord stopped being angry with him, and did not destroy Rehoboam[e] completely. Furthermore, conditions became good in Judah.
7 Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God’s word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus, the Messiah,[a] is the same yesterday and today—and forever!
9 Stop being[b] carried away by all kinds of unusual teachings, for it is good that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by food laws[c] that have never helped those who follow them.
10 We have an altar, and those who serve in the tent have no right to eat at it. 11 For the bodies of animals, whose blood is taken into the sanctuary by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 That is why Jesus, in order to sanctify the people by his own blood, also suffered outside the city gate. 13 Therefore go to him outside the camp and endure the insults he endured. 14 For here we have no permanent city but are looking for the one that is coming. 15 Therefore, through him let us always bring God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to be generous, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
17 Continue to follow and be submissive to your leaders, since they are watching over your souls as those who will have to give a word of explanation. By doing this, you will be letting them carry out their duties joyfully, and not with grief, for that would be harmful for you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. 19 I especially ask you to do this so that I may be brought back to you sooner.
20 Now may the God of peace, who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good[d] to do his will, accomplishing in us[e] what pleases him through Jesus, the Messiah.[f] To him be glory forever and ever![g] Amen.
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