Open Word

FIRST READING

Exodus 19:16-25

Verse 16. On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Verse 17. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Verse 18. Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. And the smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. Verse 19. And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder. Verse 20. The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up, Verse 21. and the LORD said to him, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish. Verse 22. Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.” Verse 23. But Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for You solemnly warned us, ‘Put a boundary around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’” Verse 24. And the LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron with you. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break out against them.” Verse 25. So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.

PSALM

Psalm 33:12-22

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance!

The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.

From His dwelling place He gazes on all who inhabit the earth.

He shapes the hearts of each; He considers all their works.

No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.

A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion

to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.

For our hearts rejoice in Him, since we trust in His holy name.

May Your loving devotion rest on us, O LORD, as we put our hope in You.

SECOND READING

Romans 8:14-17

Verse 14. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Verse 15. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Verse 16. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Verse 17. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ — if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.