Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

A song for those who go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.

²⁵ In the whole land of Israel there wasn’t any man as handsome as Absalom was. That’s why everyone praised him. From the top of his head to the bottom of his feet he didn’t have any flaws. ²⁶ He used to cut his hair once a year when it became too heavy for him. Then he would weigh it. It weighed five pounds in keeping with the standard weights used in the palace.

²⁷ Three sons and a daughter were born to Absalom. His daughter’s name was Tamar. She became a beautiful woman.

²⁸ Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without going to see the king. ²⁹ Then Absalom sent for Joab. He wanted to send Joab to the king. But Joab refused to come to Absalom. So Absalom sent for him a second time. But Joab still refused to come. ³⁰ Then Absalom said to his servants, “Joab’s field is next to mine. He has barley growing there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

³¹ Joab finally went to Absalom’s house. He said to Absalom, “Why did your servants set my field on fire?”

³² Absalom said to Joab, “I sent a message to you. I said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king. I want you to ask him for me, “Why did you bring me back from Geshur? I would be better off if I were still there!” ’ Now then, I want to go and see the king. If I’m guilty of doing anything wrong, let him put me to death.”

³³ So Joab went to the king and told him that. Then the king sent for Absalom. He came in and bowed down to the king with his face toward the ground. And the king kissed Absalom.

Do Good to Everyone

6 Brothers and sisters, what if someone is caught in a sin? Then you who live by the Spirit should correct that person. Do it in a gentle way. But be careful. You could be tempted too. ² Carry one another’s heavy loads. If you do, you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ If anyone thinks they are somebody when they are nobody, they are fooling themselves. ⁴ Each person should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves. They won’t be comparing themselves to someone else. ⁵ Each person should carry their own load. ⁶ But those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher.

⁷ Don’t be fooled. You can’t outsmart God. A man gathers a crop from what he plants. ⁸ Some people plant to please their desires controlled by sin. From these desires they will harvest death. Others plant to please the Holy Spirit. From the Spirit they will harvest eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it. Let’s try even harder to do good to the family of believers.