Open Word

FIRST READING

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Verse 14. Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the gracious promise that I have spoken to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Verse 15. In those days and at that time I will cause to sprout for David a righteous Branch, and He will administer justice and righteousness in the land. Verse 16. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

PSALM

Psalm 25:1-10

Of David. To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who engage in treachery without cause will be disgraced.

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.

Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion, for they are from age to age.

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.

He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.

SECOND READING

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Verse 9. How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence? Verse 10. Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith. Verse 11. Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. Verse 12. And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, Verse 13. so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

GOSPEL

Luke 21:25-36

Verse 25. There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Verse 26. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Verse 27. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Verse 28. When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Verse 29. Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. Verse 30. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Verse 31. So also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Verse 32. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. Verse 33. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. Verse 34. But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life — and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. Verse 35. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of all the earth. Verse 36. So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”