Open Word

FIRST READING

Proverbs 8:32-36

Verse 32. Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Verse 33. Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Verse 34. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. Verse 35. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. Verse 36. But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”

PSALM

Psalm 148

Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise Him in the highest places.

Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.

Praise Him, O sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars.

Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command and they were created.

He established them forever and ever; He issued a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth, all great sea creatures and ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds, powerful wind fulfilling His word,

mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle, crawling creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth,

young men and maidens, old and young together.

Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up a horn for His people, the praise of all His saints, of Israel, a people near to Him. Hallelujah!

SECOND READING

John 21:19b-24

Verse 19. And after He had said this, He told him, “Follow Me.” Verse 20. Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” Verse 21. When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Verse 22. Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me!” Verse 23. Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. However, Jesus did not say that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you?” Verse 24. This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who has written them down. And we know that his testimony is true.