Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,(A)
because He has visited
and provided redemption for His people.(B)
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation[a] for us(C)
in the house of His servant David,(D)
70 just as He spoke by the mouth
of His holy prophets in ancient times;(E)
71 salvation from our enemies
and from the clutches[b] of those who hate us.
72 He has dealt mercifully with our fathers(F)
and remembered His holy covenant(G)—
73 the oath that He swore to our father Abraham.(H)
He has given us the privilege,
74 since we have been rescued
from our enemies’ clutches,[c]
to serve Him without fear
75 in holiness and righteousness
in His presence all our days.
76 And child, you will be called
a prophet of the Most High,(I)
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare His ways,(J)
77 to give His people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.(K)
78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion,
the Dawn from on high(L) will visit us
79 to shine on those who live in darkness
and the shadow of death,(M)
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
The Righteous and the Wicked
13 “Your words against Me are harsh,”(A) says the Lord.
Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?”
14 You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements(B) and walking mournfully(C) before the Lord of Hosts? 15 So now we consider the arrogant(D) to be fortunate.(E) Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God(F) and escape.”(G)
16 At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance(H) was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name. 17 “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts,(I) “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.(J) 18 So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.
18 What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives(A) or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my deliverance[a](B) through your prayers and help from the Spirit(C) of Jesus Christ.(D) 20 My eager expectation and hope(E) is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life(F) or by death.(G)
Living Is Christ
21 For me, living is Christ(H) and dying is gain.(I) 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful(J) work(K) for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ(L)—which is far better(M)— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,(N) 26 so that, because of me, your confidence may grow(O) in Christ Jesus(P) when I come to you again.
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