Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
Zion’s Restoration
A song of ascents.
126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,[a]
we were like those who dream.(A)
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter then,(B)
and our tongues with shouts of joy.(C)
Then they said among the nations,
‘The Lord has done great things for them.’(D)
3 The Lord had done great things for us;
we were joyful.(E)
4 Restore our fortunes,[b] Lord,
like watercourses in the Negev.(F)
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy.(G)
6 Though one goes along weeping,
carrying the bag of seed,
he will surely come back with shouts of joy,
carrying his sheaves.(H)
8 Bring out a people who are blind, yet have eyes,(A)
and are deaf, yet have ears.
9 All the nations are gathered together,
and the peoples are assembled.(B)
Who among them can declare this,(C)
and tell us the former things?
Let them present their witnesses
to vindicate themselves,
so that people may hear and say, ‘It is true.’
10 ‘You are my witnesses’(D) –
this is the Lord’s declaration –
‘and my servant whom I have chosen,(E)
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.(F)
No god was formed before me,
and there will be none after me.(G)
11 I – I am the Lord.
Besides me, there is no Saviour.(H)
12 I alone declared, saved, and proclaimed –
and not some foreign god[a] among you.
So you are my witnesses’ –
this is the Lord’s declaration –
‘and[b] I am God.(I)
13 Also, from today on I am he alone,
and none can rescue from my power.(J)
I act, and who can reverse it? ’(K)
God’s Deliverance of Rebellious Israel
14 This is what the Lord, your Redeemer,(L) the Holy One of Israel(M) says:
25 But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus(A) – my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need(B) – 26 since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed, he was so ill that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. 29 Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honour, 30 because he came close to death for the work(C) of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.
Knowing Christ
3 In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice(D) in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.
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