Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)
Psalm 111[a]
1 Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to Yahweh with all my heart
in the company of decent people and in the congregation.
2 Yahweh’s deeds are spectacular.
They should be studied by all who enjoy them.
3 His work is glorious and majestic.
His righteousness continues forever.
4 He has made his miracles unforgettable.
Yahweh is merciful and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him.
He always remembers his promise.[b]
6 He has revealed the power of his works to his people
by giving them the lands of other nations as an inheritance.
7 His works are done with truth and justice.
All his guiding principles are trustworthy.
8 They last forever and ever.
They are carried out with truth and decency.
9 He has sent salvation to his people.
He has ordered that his promise should continue forever.
His name is holy and terrifying.
10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom.
Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God’s guiding principles.
His praise continues forever.
The Promise Sealed with Blood
24 Yahweh said to Moses, “You and Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and 70 of Israel’s leaders come up the mountain to me and worship at a distance. 2 Moses may come near Yahweh, but the others may not. The people must not come along with Moses.”
3 Moses went and told the people all Yahweh’s words and legal decisions. Then all the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything Yahweh has told us to do.” 4 So Moses wrote down all Yahweh’s words.
Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up 12 sacred stones for the 12 tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young Israelite men, and they sacrificed bulls as burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to Yahweh. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it into bowls, and he threw the other half against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Lord’s Promise[a] and read it while the people listened. They said, “We will obey and do everything Yahweh has said.”
8 Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people and said, “Here is the blood which seals the promise that Yahweh has made to you based on everything you have just heard.”
9 Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and 70 of Israel’s leaders. 10 They saw the Elohim of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made out of sapphire as clear and blue as the sky itself. 11 Elohim didn’t harm these leaders of the Israelites. So they saw Elohim, and then they ate and drank.
22 This is what has so often kept me from visiting you. 23 But now I have no new opportunities for work in this region. For many years I have wanted to visit you. 24 Now I am on my way to Spain, so I hope to see you when I come your way. After I have enjoyed your company for a while, I hope that you will support my trip to Spain.
25 Right now I’m going to Jerusalem to bring help to the Christians there. 26 Because the believers in Macedonia and Greece owe a debt to the Christians in Jerusalem, they have decided to take up a collection for the poor among the Christians in Jerusalem. 27 These Macedonians and Greeks have shared the spiritual wealth of the Christians in Jerusalem. So they are obligated to use their earthly wealth to help them.
28 When the collection is completed and I have officially turned the money over to the Christians in Jerusalem, I will visit you on my way to Spain. 29 I know that when I come to you I will bring the full blessing of Christ.
30 Brothers and sisters, I encourage you through our Lord Yeshua Christ and by the love that the Spirit creates, to join me in my struggle. Pray to God for me 31 that I will be rescued from those people in Judea who refuse to believe. Pray that God’s people in Jerusalem will accept the help I bring. 32 Also pray that by the will of God I may come to you with joy and be refreshed when I am with you.
33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
The Names of God Bible (without notes) © 2011 by Baker Publishing Group.