Open Word

FIRST READING

Job 5:8-27

Verse 8. However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and lay my cause before Him— Verse 9. the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. Verse 10. He gives rain to the earth and sends water upon the fields. Verse 11. He sets the lowly on high, so that mourners are lifted to safety. Verse 12. He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. Verse 13. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. Verse 14. They encounter darkness by day and grope at noon as in the night. Verse 15. He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth and from the clutches of the powerful. Verse 16. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. Verse 17. Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Verse 18. For He wounds, but He also binds; He strikes, but His hands also heal. Verse 19. He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven. Verse 20. In famine He will redeem you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. Verse 21. You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes. Verse 22. You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth. Verse 23. For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you. Verse 24. You will know that your tent is secure, and find nothing amiss when inspecting your home. Verse 25. You will know that your offspring will be many, your descendants like the grass of the earth. Verse 26. You will come to the grave in full vigor, like a sheaf of grain gathered in season. Verse 27. Indeed, we have investigated, and it is true! So hear it and know for yourself.”

PSALM

Psalm 77

For the choirmaster. According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me.

In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.

I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint.

You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak.

I considered the days of old, the years long in the past.

At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered:

“Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again?

Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time?

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?”

So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”

I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?

You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples.

With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.

The waters saw You, O God; the waters saw You and swirled; even the depths were shaken.

The clouds poured down water; the skies resounded with thunder; Your arrows flashed back and forth.

Your thunder resounded in the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found.

You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

SECOND READING

1 Peter 3:8-18a

Verse 8. Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. Verse 9. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Verse 10. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Verse 11. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. Verse 12. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Verse 13. Who can harm you if you are zealous for what is good? Verse 14. But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” Verse 15. But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, Verse 16. keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. Verse 17. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Verse 18. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.