Monday in Epiphany

1Verse 1. In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2Verse 2. “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today. 3Verse 3. Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.” 4Verse 4. So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and at the dictation of Jeremiah, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words that the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah. 5Verse 5. Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, “I am restricted; I cannot enter the house of the LORD; 6Verse 6. so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities. 7Verse 7. Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people.” 8Verse 8. So Baruch son of Neriah did everything that Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. In the house of the LORD he read the words of the LORD from the scroll. 9Verse 9. Now in the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a fast before the LORD was proclaimed to all the people of Jerusalem and all who had come there from the cities of Judah. 10Verse 10. From the chamber of Gemariah son of Shaphan the scribe, which was in the upper courtyard at the opening of the New Gate of the house of the LORD, Baruch read from the scroll the words of Jeremiah in the hearing of all the people.

1Verse 1. Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2Verse 2. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 3Verse 3. But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. 4Verse 4. The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5Verse 5. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. 6Verse 6. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7Verse 7. Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct? 8Verse 8. Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle? 9Verse 9. So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10Verse 10. Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11Verse 11. If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12Verse 12. It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.