Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 41:14-20

Verse 14. Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Verse 15. Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. Verse 16. You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel. Verse 17. The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. Verse 18. I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. Verse 19. I will plant cedars in the wilderness, acacias, myrtles, and olive trees. I will set cypresses in the desert, elms and boxwood together, Verse 20. so that all may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this and the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

PSALM

Psalm 69:1-5, 30-36

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.

I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me — my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.

You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You.

I will praise God’s name in song and exalt Him with thanksgiving.

And this will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with horns and hooves.

The humble will see and rejoice. You who seek God, let your hearts be revived!

For the LORD listens to the needy and does not despise His captive people.

Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and everything that moves in them.

For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and possess it.

The descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love His name will settle in it.

SECOND READING

John 1:29-34

Verse 29. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Verse 30. This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ Verse 31. I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” Verse 32. Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. Verse 33. I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Verse 34. I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God. ”