Thursday in Easter — Open Word

FIRST READING

Isaiah 5:11-17

Verse 11. Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. Verse 12. At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. Verse 13. Therefore My people will go into exile for their lack of understanding; their dignitaries are starving and their masses are parched with thirst. Verse 14. Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers! Verse 15. So mankind will be brought low, and each man humbled; the arrogant will lower their eyes. Verse 16. But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. Verse 17. Lambs will graze as in their own pastures, and strangers will feed in the ruins of the wealthy.

PSALM

Psalm 30

A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David. I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me.

O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit.

Sing to the LORD, O you His saints, and praise His holy name.

For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.

In prosperity I said, “I will never be shaken.”

O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed.

To You, O LORD, I called, and I begged my Lord for mercy:

“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?

Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy; O LORD, be my helper.”

You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.

SECOND READING

Revelation 3:14-22

Verse 14. To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. Verse 15. I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! Verse 16. So because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to vomit you out of My mouth! Verse 17. You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Verse 18. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Verse 19. Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Verse 20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. Verse 21. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Verse 22. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”