Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Psalm 126

Zion’s Restoration

A song of ascents.

Abraham’s Death

⁷ This is the length of Abraham’s life:^[a] 175 years. ⁸ He took his last breath and died at a ripe old age,^(A) old and contented,^[b] and he was gathered to his people.^{(B) 9} His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah^(C) near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. ¹⁰ This was the field that Abraham bought from the Hittites.^(D) Abraham was buried there with his wife Sarah. ¹¹ After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near Beer-lahai-roi.^(E)

Stand Firm

¹³ But we must always thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning^[a] God has chosen^(A) you for salvation through sanctification^(B) by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory^(C) of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brothers, stand firm^(D) and hold to the traditions you were taught,^(E) either by our message or by our letter.

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved^(F) us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

Pray for Us

3 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you,^{(G) 2} and that we may be delivered^(H) from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith.^{[b] 3} But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.^{(I) 4} We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.^(J)