Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 54:9-10

Verse 9. “For to Me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you or rebuke you. Verse 10. Though the mountains may be removed and the hills may be shaken, My loving devotion will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be broken,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

PSALM

Psalm 31:9-16

Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.

For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.

Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends — they flee when they see me on the street.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

Make Your face shine on Your servant; save me by Your loving devotion.

SECOND READING

Hebrews 2:10-18

Verse 10. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting for God, for whom and through whom all things exist, to make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Verse 11. For both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. Verse 12. He says: “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers; I will sing Your praises in the assembly.” Verse 13. And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And once again: “Here am I, and the children God has given Me.” Verse 14. Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, Verse 15. and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Verse 16. For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. Verse 17. For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. Verse 18. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.