Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
68 “Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to help his people and has given them freedom.
69 He has given us a powerful Savior
from the family of God’s servant David.
70 He said that he would do this
through his holy prophets who lived long ago:
71 He promised he would save us from our enemies
and from the power of all those who hate us.
72 He said he would give mercy to our ancestors
and that he would remember his holy promise.
73 God promised Abraham, our father,
74 that he would save us from the power of our enemies
so we could serve him without fear,
75 being holy and good before God as long as we live.
76 “Now you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God.
You will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
77 You will make his people know that they will be saved
by having their sins forgiven.
78 With the loving mercy of our God,
a new day from heaven will dawn upon us.
79 It will shine on those who live in darkness,
in the shadow of death.
It will guide us into the path of peace.”
The Day of the Lord’s Judging
4 “There is a day coming that will burn like a hot furnace, and all the proud and evil people will be like straw. On that day they will be completely burned up so that not a root or branch will be left,” says the Lord All-Powerful. 2 “But for you who honor me, goodness will shine on you like the sun, with healing in its rays. You will jump around, like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will crush the wicked like ashes under your feet on the day I will do this,” says the Lord All-Powerful.
4 “Remember the teaching of Moses my servant, those laws and rules I gave to him on Mount Sinai for all the Israelites.
5 “But I will send you Elijah the prophet before that great and terrifying day of the Lord’s judging. 6 Elijah will help parents love their children and children love their parents. Otherwise, I will come and put a curse on the land.”
Jesus Sends Out the Apostles
9 Jesus called the twelve apostles together and gave them power and authority over all demons and the ability to heal sicknesses. 2 He sent the apostles out to tell about God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for your trip, neither a walking stick, bag, bread, money, or extra clothes. 4 When you enter a house, stay there until it is time to leave. 5 If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off of your feet[a] as you leave the town, as a warning to them.”
6 So the apostles went out and traveled through all the towns, preaching the Good News and healing people everywhere.
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.