Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Psalm 76
For the choir director; on stringed instruments; a psalm by Asaph; a song.
1 Elohim is known in Judah.
His name is great in Israel.
2 His tent is in Salem.
His home is in Zion.
3 There he destroyed flaming arrows,
shields, swords, and weapons of war. Selah
4 You are the radiant one.
You are more majestic than the ancient mountains.[a]
5 Brave people were robbed.
They died.
None of the warriors were able to lift a hand.
6 At your stern warning, O Elohim of Jacob,
chariot riders and horses were put to sleep.
7 You alone must be feared!
Who can stand in your presence when you become angry?
8 From heaven you announced a verdict.
The earth was fearful and silent
9 when you rose to judge, O Elohim,
when you rose to save every oppressed person on earth. Selah
10 Even angry mortals will praise you.
You will wear the remainder of their anger.[b]
11 Make vows to Yahweh your Elohim, and keep them.
Let everyone around him bring gifts to the one who must be feared.
12 He cuts short the lives of influential people.
He terrifies the kings of the earth.
The People of the Lord’s New Creation
66 This is what Yahweh says:
Heaven is my throne.
The earth is my footstool.
Where can you build a house or resting place for me?
2 I have made all these things.
“That is why all these things have come into being,”
declares Yahweh.
I will pay attention to those
who are humble and sorry for their sins
and who tremble at my word.
3 Whoever kills a bull is like someone who kills a person.
Whoever sacrifices a lamb is like someone who breaks a dog’s neck.
Whoever offers a grain sacrifice
is like someone who offers pig’s blood.
Whoever burns incense is like someone who worships an idol.
People have certainly chosen their own ways,
and their souls delight in detestable things.
4 So I will choose harsh treatment for them
and bring on them what they fear.
I called, but no one answered.
I spoke, but they didn’t listen.
They did what I consider evil.
They chose what I don’t like.
5 Listen to the word of Yahweh, all who tremble at his word.
Your relatives, who hate you and exclude you for my name’s sake, say,
“Let Yahweh show his glory; then we will see your joy.”
But they will be put to shame.
6 Listen to the uproar from the city.
Listen to the sound from the temple.
It is the sound of Yahweh
paying back his enemies as they deserve.
7 Before a woman goes into labor, she gives birth.
Before she has labor pains, she delivers a child.
8 Who has heard of such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Can a country be born in one day?
Can a nation be born in a moment?
When Zion went into labor,
she also gave birth to her children.
9 “Do I bring a mother to the moment of birth
and not let her deliver?” asks Yahweh.
“Do I cause a mother to deliver
and then make her unable to have children?” asks your Elohim.
10 All who love Jerusalem, be happy and rejoice with her.
All who mourn for her, be glad with her.
11 You will nurse and be satisfied from her comforting breasts.
You will nurse to your heart’s delight at her full breasts.
12 This is what Yahweh says:
I will offer you peace like a river
and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream.
You will nurse and be carried in Jerusalem’s arms
and cuddled on her knees.
13 As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you.
You will be comforted in Jerusalem.
23 Someone may say, “I’m allowed to do anything,” but not everything is helpful. I’m allowed to do anything, but not everything encourages growth. 24 People should be concerned about others and not just about themselves. 25 Eat anything that is sold in the market without letting your conscience trouble you. 26 Certainly, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything it contains is his.” 27 If an unbeliever invites you to his house for dinner, and you wish to go, eat anything he serves you without letting your conscience trouble you. 28 However, if someone says to you, “This was sacrificed to a god,” don’t eat it because of the one who informed you and because of conscience. 29 I’m not talking about your conscience but the other person’s conscience. Why should my freedom be judged by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I give thanks to God for the food I eat, why am I condemned for that? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God. 32 Don’t cause others to stumble, whether they are Jewish, Greek, or members of God’s church. 33 I try to please everyone in every way. I don’t think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved. 11 1 Imitate me as I imitate Christ.
The Names of God Bible (without notes) © 2011 by Baker Publishing Group.