Open Word

FIRST READING

1 Samuel 15:22-31

Verse 22. But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. Verse 23. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” Verse 24. Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Verse 25. Now therefore, please forgive my sin and return with me so I can worship the LORD.” Verse 26. “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” Verse 27. As Samuel turned to go, Saul grabbed the hem of his robe, and it tore. Verse 28. So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. Verse 29. Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.” Verse 30. “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.” Verse 31. So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the LORD.

PSALM

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

SECOND READING

Ephesians 5:1-9

Verse 1. Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, Verse 2. and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. Verse 3. But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. Verse 4. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. Verse 5. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Verse 6. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. Verse 7. Therefore do not be partakers with them. Verse 8. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, Verse 9. for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.