Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
The Righteous Branch and the Davidic Covenant
14 “‘Look, the time is coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I’ll fulfill the good promise that I spoke concerning the house of Israel and Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I’ll cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he will uphold justice and righteousness in the land. 16 At that time Judah will be delivered and Jerusalem will dwell in safety. And this is the name people[a] will call it, “The Lord is Our Righteousness.”’
Davidic[a]
A Prayer for Help and Forgiveness
25 I will lift up my soul to you, Lord.
2 I trust in you, my God,
do not let me be ashamed;
do not let my enemies triumph over me.
3 Indeed, no one who waits on you will be ashamed,
but those who offend for no reason will be put to shame.
4 Cause me to understand your ways, Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me;
for you are the God who delivers me.
All day long I have waited for you.
6 Remember, Lord, your tender mercies and your gracious love;
indeed, they are eternal!
7 Do not remember my youthful sins and transgressions;
but remember me in light of your gracious love,
in light of your goodness, Lord.
9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we have in God’s presence because of you? 10 We pray very hard night and day that we may see you again face to face, so that we may equip you with[a] whatever is lacking in your faith.
11 Now may our God and Father and our Lord Jesus provide a way for us to visit you. 12 May the Lord greatly increase your love[b] for each other and for all people, just as we love you.[c] 13 Then your hearts will be strong, blameless, and holy in the presence of God, who is our Father, when our Lord Jesus appears with all his saints.[d]
The Coming of the Son of Man(A)
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and there will be distress on earth among the nations that are confused by the roaring of the sea and its waves. 26 People will faint from fear and apprehension because of what’s to be coming to the inhabited world, because the powers of the heavens will be disrupted. 27 Then people[a] will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’[b] with power and great glory.
28 “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is approaching.”
The Lesson from the Fig Tree(B)
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 As soon as they produce leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already approaching. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you will know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell all of you[c] with certainty, this generation won’t disappear until all these things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words won’t ever disappear.”
Be Alert
34 “Constantly be on your guard so that your hearts will not be loaded down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, or that day will take you by surprise 35 like a trap, because it will come on everyone who lives on the face of the earth. 36 So be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to take your stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
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