Open Word

FIRST READING

1 Kings 19:1-8

Verse 1. Now Ahab told Jezebel everything that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Verse 2. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” Verse 3. And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, Verse 4. while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Verse 5. Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” Verse 6. And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. Verse 7. A second time the angel of the LORD returned and touched him, saying, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” Verse 8. So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

PSALM

Psalm 32

Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.

For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat.

Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near.

You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

SECOND READING

Hebrews 2:10-18

Verse 10. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Verse 11. For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. Verse 12. He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.” Verse 13. And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.” Verse 14. Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, Verse 15. and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Verse 16. For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. Verse 17. For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. Verse 18. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.