Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 4:2-6

Verse 2. On that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel’s survivors. Verse 3. Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy— all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living— Verse 4. when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Verse 5. Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, Verse 6. a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain.

PSALM

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.

May he judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted with justice.

May the mountains bring peace to the people, and the hills bring righteousness.

May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.

May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.

May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound until the moon is no more.

Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

And blessed be His glorious name forever; may all the earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen.

SECOND READING

Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

Verse 12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away. Verse 13. When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Verse 14. With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Verse 15. In those days Peter stood up among the brothers ( a gathering of about a hundred and twenty ) and said, Verse 16. “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. Verse 17. He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” Verse 21. Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Verse 22. beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Verse 23. So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Verse 24. And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen Verse 25. to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Verse 26. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.