Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
A Prayer for Restoration
A song of ascents.[a]
126 When Yahweh restored the fortunes[b] of Zion,[c]
we were like dreamers.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
Then they said among the nations,
“Yahweh has done great things for these people.”
3 Yahweh has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore, O Yahweh, our fortunes[d]
like the streams in the Negeb.[e]
5 Those who sow with tears
shall reap with rejoicing.
6 He who diligently goes out with weeping,
carrying the seed bag,
shall certainly come in with rejoicing,
carrying his sheaves.
8 Bring out the people blind yet[a] with eyes,
and deaf, though[b] they have ears.
9 Let all the nations gather together,
and let the peoples assemble.
Who among them has declared this,
and declared[c] the former things to us?
Let them bring[d] their witnesses, that[e] they may be in the right,
and let them hear and say, “It is true!”
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares[f] Yahweh,
“and my servant whom I have chosen
so that you may know and believe in[g] me
and understand that I am he.
No god was formed before me[h],
and none shall be after me.
11 I myself am Yahweh,
and there is no savior besides me!
12 I myself declared and saved,
and I proclaimed.[i] And there was no strange god[j] among you.
And you are my witnesses,” declares[k] Yahweh,
“and I am God.
13 Indeed, from this day I am the one,
and no one can deliver from my hand.
I perform,[l] and who can cancel it?”[m]
Yahweh Rescues His People
14 Thus says Yahweh, your redeemer,
the holy one of Israel:
“For your sake I will send to Babylon,
and I will cause all of them to fall down as fugitives,
and the Chaldeans,[n] their rejoicing on the ships.
15 I am Yahweh, your holy one,
the creator of Israel, your king.”
Epaphroditus’ Mission
25 But I considered it[a] necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your messenger and servant of my need, 26 because he was longing for all of you and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick, coming near to death, but God had mercy on him and not on him only, but also on me, so that I would not have grief upon grief. 28 Therefore I am sending him with special urgency, in order that when[b] you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. 29 Therefore welcome him in the Lord with all joy, and consider such people highly honored, 30 because on account of the work of Christ he came near to the point of death, risking his life in order that he might make up for your inability to serve me[c].
Warning Against Evil Workers
3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, but is a safeguard for you.
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