Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

(A psalm by David when he was in the desert of Judah.)

God's Love Means More than Life

Part Four: The Dead Will Rise to Life

12 ^(A) Michael, the chief of the angels, is the protector of your people, and he will come at a time of terrible suffering, the worst in all of history. And your people who have their names written in The Book^[a] will be protected. ^2 (B) Many of those who lie dead in the ground will rise from death. Some of them will be given eternal life, and others will receive nothing but eternal shame and disgrace. ^3 (C) Everyone who has been wise will shine as bright as the sky above, and everyone who has led others to please God will shine forever like the stars.

^4 (D) Daniel, I now command you to keep the message of this book secret until the end of time, even though many people will go everywhere, searching for the knowledge to be found in it.^[b]

The Letter to Sardis

3 This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Sardis:

I have the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. Listen to what I say.

I know what you are doing. Everyone may think you are alive, but you are dead. ² Wake up! You have only a little strength left, and it is almost gone. So try to become stronger. I have found that you are not completely obeying God. ^3 (A) Remember the teaching you were given and heard. Hold firmly to it and turn from your sins. If you don't wake up, I will come when you least expect it, just as a thief does.

⁴ A few of you in Sardis have not dirtied your clothes with sin. You will walk with me in white clothes, because you are worthy. ^5 (B) Everyone who wins the victory will wear white clothes. Their names will not be erased from the book of life,^[a] and I will tell my Father and his angels that they are my followers.

⁶ If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.