Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

The Day of the Lord

4 ^[a]“For indeed, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,” says the Lord of Hosts, “not leaving them root or branches. ² But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings,^(A) and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall.^[b]

Psalm 98

Praise the King

A psalm.

Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name^(A) of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother^(B) who walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition^(C) received^(D) from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you must imitate^(E) us: We were not irresponsible among you; ⁸ we did not eat^(F) anyone’s food^[a] free of charge;^(G) instead, we labored^(H) and struggled,^(I) working^(J) night and day, so that we would not be a burden^(K) to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right^(L) to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate^(M) us. ¹⁰ In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”^{(N) 11} For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others.^{(O) 12} Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ that quietly working, they may eat their own food.^{[b] 13} Brothers, do not grow weary^(P) in doing good.

Destruction of the Temple Predicted

⁵ As^(A) some were talking about the temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God,^[a] He said, ⁶ “These things that you see—the days will come^(B) when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down!”^(C)

Signs of the End of the Age

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked Him, “so when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?”^(D)

⁸ Then He said, “Watch out that you are not deceived.^(E) For many will come in My name,^(F) saying, ‘I am He,’^(G) and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.^{(H) 9} When you hear of wars and rebellions,^[b] don’t be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”

¹⁰ Then He told them: “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.^{(I) 11} There will be violent earthquakes,^(J) and famines and plagues^(K) in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.^{(L) 12} But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you^(M) and persecute^(N) you. They will hand you over to the synagogues^(O) and prisons,^(P) and you will be brought before kings and governors^(Q) because of My name. ¹³ It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness.^{[c](R) 14} Therefore make up your minds^[d] not to prepare your defense ahead of time,^{(S) 15} for I will give you such words^[e](T) and a wisdom^(U) that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.^{(V) 16} You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.^(W) They will kill some of you. ¹⁷ You will be hated by everyone because of My name,^{(X) 18} but not a hair of your head will be lost.^{(Y) 19} By your endurance gain^[f] your lives.^(Z)