Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

A Davidic Psalm, while he was in the Judean wilderness.

Joyful Trust in God

The End Times

12 “‘At that time, Michael^[a] will arise, the great prince who will stand up on behalf of your people, and a time of trouble will come like there has never been since nations began until that time. Also at that time, your people will be delivered—everyone who will have been written in the book. ² Many of those who are sleeping in the dust of the earth will awaken—some to life everlasting, and some to disgrace and everlasting contempt. ³ Those who manifest wisdom will shine like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who turn many to righteousness will shine^[b] like the stars for ever and ever. ⁴ Now as for you, Daniel, roll up your scroll and seal your words until the time of the end. Many will rush around, while knowledge increases.’”

The Letter to the Church in Sardis

3 “To the messenger^[a] of the church in Sardis, write:

‘The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this:

‘I know what you’ve been doing. You are known for being alive, but you are dead. ² Be alert, and strengthen the things that are left, which are about to die. I note that your actions are incomplete before my God. ³ So remember what you received and heard. Obey it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you won’t know the time when I will come to you. ⁴ But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me in white clothes because they are worthy. ⁵ The person who overcomes^[b] in this way will wear white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the Book of Life. I will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father and his angels.

⁶ ‘Let everyone^[c] listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’”