Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are Zechariah 9:1-17; Revelation 17:1-18; Psalm 145:1-21; and Proverbs 30:32. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.
Zechariah 9:1-17 (Contemporary English Version)
Zechariah 9
Israel's Enemies Will Be Punished
1This is a message from the LORD:
His eyes are on everyone,
especially the tribes
of Israel. a] So he pronounces judgment
against the cities
of Hadrach and Damascus. b] 2Judgment will also fall
on the nearby city
of Hamath,
as well as on Tyre and Sidon, c] whose people are clever.
3Tyre has built a fortress
and piled up silver and gold,
as though they were dust
or mud from the streets.
4Now the Lord will punish Tyre
with poverty;
he will sink its ships
and send it up in flames.
5Both Ashkelon and Gaza
will tremble with fear;
Ekron will lose all hope.
Gaza's king will be killed,
and Ashkelon emptied
of its people.
6A mob of half-breeds
will settle in Ashdod, d] and the Lord himself
will rob Philistia of pride.
7No longer will the Philistines
eat meat with blood in it
or any unclean food. e] They will become part
of the people of our God
from the tribe of Judah.
And God will accept
the people of Ekron,
as he did the Jebusites. f] 8God says, "I will stand guard
to protect my temple
from those
who come to attack.
I know what's happening,
and no one will mistreat
my people ever again."
His eyes are on everyone,
especially the tribes
of Israel. a] So he pronounces judgment
against the cities
of Hadrach and Damascus. b] 2Judgment will also fall
on the nearby city
of Hamath,
as well as on Tyre and Sidon, c] whose people are clever.
3Tyre has built a fortress
and piled up silver and gold,
as though they were dust
or mud from the streets.
4Now the Lord will punish Tyre
with poverty;
he will sink its ships
and send it up in flames.
5Both Ashkelon and Gaza
will tremble with fear;
Ekron will lose all hope.
Gaza's king will be killed,
and Ashkelon emptied
of its people.
6A mob of half-breeds
will settle in Ashdod, d] and the Lord himself
will rob Philistia of pride.
7No longer will the Philistines
eat meat with blood in it
or any unclean food. e] They will become part
of the people of our God
from the tribe of Judah.
And God will accept
the people of Ekron,
as he did the Jebusites. f] 8God says, "I will stand guard
to protect my temple
from those
who come to attack.
I know what's happening,
and no one will mistreat
my people ever again."
The LORD Tells about the Coming King
9Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout!
Your king has won a victory,
and he is coming to you.
He is humble
and rides on a donkey;
he comes on the colt
of a donkey.
10I, the LORD, will take away
war chariots and horses
from Israel g] and Jerusalem. Bows that were made for battle
will be broken.
I will bring peace to nations,
and your king will rule
from sea to sea.
His kingdom will reach
from the Euphrates River
across the earth.
Your king has won a victory,
and he is coming to you.
He is humble
and rides on a donkey;
he comes on the colt
of a donkey.
10I, the LORD, will take away
war chariots and horses
from Israel g] and Jerusalem. Bows that were made for battle
will be broken.
I will bring peace to nations,
and your king will rule
from sea to sea.
His kingdom will reach
from the Euphrates River
across the earth.
The LORD Promises To Rescue Captives
11When I made a sacred agreement with you, my people,
we sealed it with blood. h] Now some of you are captives
in waterless pits,
but I will come to your rescue
12and offer you hope.
Return to your fortress,
because today I will reward you
with twice what you had.
13I will use Judah as my bow
and Israel i] as my arrow. I will take the people of Zion
as my sword
and attack the Greeks.
we sealed it with blood. h] Now some of you are captives
in waterless pits,
but I will come to your rescue
12and offer you hope.
Return to your fortress,
because today I will reward you
with twice what you had.
13I will use Judah as my bow
and Israel i] as my arrow. I will take the people of Zion
as my sword
and attack the Greeks.
The LORD Will Protect His People
14Like a cloud, the LORD God will appear over his people,
and his arrows will flash
like lightning.
God will sound his trumpet
and attack in a whirlwind
from the south.
15The LORD All-Powerful
will protect his people,
and they will trample down
the sharpshooters
and their slingshots.
They will drink and get rowdy;
they will be as full as a bowl
at the time of sacrifice.
16The LORD God will save them
on that day,
because they are his people,
and they will shine on his land
like jewels in a crown.
17How lovely they will be.
Young people will grow there
like grain in a field
or grapes in a vineyard.
Footnotes:- Zechariah 9:1 His. . . Israel: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Zechariah 9:1 Hadrach and Damascus: Hadrach was north of both Damascus (the main city of Syria) and Hamath (verse 2).
- Zechariah 9:2 Tyre and Sidon: Phoenician cities.
- Zechariah 9:6 Ashkelon and Gaza. . . Ekron. . . Ashdod: Philistine cities.
- Zechariah 9:7 eat. . . food: The Philistines will become part of Judah and no longer eat meat with blood in it (see Genesis 9.4) or any other forbidden foods (see Leviticus 11.1-23; Deuteronomy 14.3-21).
- Zechariah 9:7 Jebusites: The original people of Canaan, who lived in Jerusalem before it was captured by David (see 2 Samuel 5.6-10) and were later accepted as part of Israel.
- Zechariah 9:10 Israel: The Hebrew text has "Ephraim," the leading tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel, which sometimes stands for the whole kingdom.
- Zechariah 9:11 agreement. . . blood: The agreement at Mount Sinai (see Exodus 24.7,8).
- Zechariah 9:13 Israel: Hebrew "Ephraim" (see the note at 9.10).
and his arrows will flash
like lightning.
God will sound his trumpet
and attack in a whirlwind
from the south.
15The LORD All-Powerful
will protect his people,
and they will trample down
the sharpshooters
and their slingshots.
They will drink and get rowdy;
they will be as full as a bowl
at the time of sacrifice.
16The LORD God will save them
on that day,
because they are his people,
and they will shine on his land
like jewels in a crown.
17How lovely they will be.
Young people will grow there
like grain in a field
or grapes in a vineyard.
Footnotes:
- Zechariah 9:1 His. . . Israel: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Zechariah 9:1 Hadrach and Damascus: Hadrach was north of both Damascus (the main city of Syria) and Hamath (verse 2).
- Zechariah 9:2 Tyre and Sidon: Phoenician cities.
- Zechariah 9:6 Ashkelon and Gaza. . . Ekron. . . Ashdod: Philistine cities.
- Zechariah 9:7 eat. . . food: The Philistines will become part of Judah and no longer eat meat with blood in it (see Genesis 9.4) or any other forbidden foods (see Leviticus 11.1-23; Deuteronomy 14.3-21).
- Zechariah 9:7 Jebusites: The original people of Canaan, who lived in Jerusalem before it was captured by David (see 2 Samuel 5.6-10) and were later accepted as part of Israel.
- Zechariah 9:10 Israel: The Hebrew text has "Ephraim," the leading tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel, which sometimes stands for the whole kingdom.
- Zechariah 9:11 agreement. . . blood: The agreement at Mount Sinai (see Exodus 24.7,8).
- Zechariah 9:13 Israel: Hebrew "Ephraim" (see the note at 9.10).
Revelation 17:1-18 (Contemporary English Version)
Revelation 17
The Prostitute and the Beast
1One of the seven angels who had emptied the bowls came over and said to me, "Come on! I will show you how God will punish that shameless prostitute who sits on many oceans. 2Every king on earth has slept with her, and her shameless ways are like wine that has made everyone on earth drunk." 3With the help of the Spirit, the angel took me into the desert, where I saw a woman sitting on a red beast. The beast was covered with names that were an insult to God, and it had seven heads and ten horns. 4The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet robes, and she wore jewelry made of gold, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup filled with the filthy and nasty things she had done. 5On her forehead a mysterious name was written: I AM THE GREAT CITY OF BABYLON, THE MOTHER OF EVERY IMMORAL AND FILTHY THING ON EARTH.
6I could tell that the woman was drunk on the blood of God's people who had given their lives for Jesus. This surprising sight amazed me, 7and the angel said:
Why are you so amazed? I will explain the mystery about this woman and about the beast she is sitting on, with its seven heads and ten horns. 8The beast you saw is one that used to be and no longer is. It will come back from the deep pit, but only to be destroyed. Everyone on earth whose names were not written in the book of life a] before the time of creation will be amazed. They will see this beast that used to be and no longer is, but will be once more. 9Anyone with wisdom can figure this out. The seven heads that the woman is sitting on stand for seven hills. These heads are also seven kings. 10Five of the kings are dead. One is ruling now, and the other one has not yet come. But when he does, he will rule for only a little while.
11You also saw a beast that used to be and no longer is. That beast is one of the seven kings who will return as the eighth king, but only to be destroyed.
12The ten horns that you saw are ten more kings, who have not yet come into power, and they will rule with the beast for only a short time. 13They all think alike and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14These kings will go to war against the Lamb. But he will defeat them, because he is Lord over all lords and King over all kings. His followers are chosen and special and faithful.
15The oceans that you saw the prostitute sitting on are crowds of people from all races and languages. 16The ten horns and the beast will start hating the shameless woman. They will strip off her clothes and leave her naked. Then they will eat her flesh and throw the rest of her body into a fire. 17God is the one who made these kings all think alike and decide to give their power to the beast. And they will do this until what God has said comes true.
18The woman you saw is the great city that rules over all kings on earth.
6I could tell that the woman was drunk on the blood of God's people who had given their lives for Jesus. This surprising sight amazed me, 7and the angel said:
Why are you so amazed? I will explain the mystery about this woman and about the beast she is sitting on, with its seven heads and ten horns. 8The beast you saw is one that used to be and no longer is. It will come back from the deep pit, but only to be destroyed. Everyone on earth whose names were not written in the book of life a] before the time of creation will be amazed. They will see this beast that used to be and no longer is, but will be once more. 9Anyone with wisdom can figure this out. The seven heads that the woman is sitting on stand for seven hills. These heads are also seven kings. 10Five of the kings are dead. One is ruling now, and the other one has not yet come. But when he does, he will rule for only a little while.
11You also saw a beast that used to be and no longer is. That beast is one of the seven kings who will return as the eighth king, but only to be destroyed.
12The ten horns that you saw are ten more kings, who have not yet come into power, and they will rule with the beast for only a short time. 13They all think alike and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14These kings will go to war against the Lamb. But he will defeat them, because he is Lord over all lords and King over all kings. His followers are chosen and special and faithful.
15The oceans that you saw the prostitute sitting on are crowds of people from all races and languages. 16The ten horns and the beast will start hating the shameless woman. They will strip off her clothes and leave her naked. Then they will eat her flesh and throw the rest of her body into a fire. 17God is the one who made these kings all think alike and decide to give their power to the beast. And they will do this until what God has said comes true.
18The woman you saw is the great city that rules over all kings on earth.
Psalm 145:1-21 (Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 145
(By David for praise.)
The LORD Is Kind and Merciful
1I will praise you, my God and King,
and always honor your name.
2I will praise you each day
and always honor your name.
3You are wonderful, LORD,
and you deserve all praise,
because you are much greater
than anyone can understand.
4Each generation will announce
to the next
your wonderful
and powerful deeds.
5I will keep thinking about
your marvelous glory
and your mighty miracles. a] 6Everyone will talk about
your fearsome deeds,
and I will tell all nations
how great you are.
7They will celebrate and sing
about your matchless mercy
and your power to save.
8You are merciful, LORD!
You are kind and patient
and always loving.
9You are good to everyone,
and you take care
of all your creation.
10All creation will thank you,
and your loyal people
will praise you.
11They will tell about
your marvelous kingdom
and your power.
12Then everyone will know about
the mighty things you do
and your glorious kingdom.
13Your kingdom will never end,
and you will rule forever.
Our LORD, you keep your word
and do everything you say. b] 14When someone stumbles or falls,
you give a helping hand.
15Everyone depends on you,
and when the time is right,
you provide them with food.
16By your own hand
you satisfy
the desires of all who live.
17Our LORD, everything you do
is kind and thoughtful,
18and you are near to everyone
whose prayers are sincere.
19You satisfy the desires
of all your worshipers,
and you come to save them
when they ask for help.
20You take care of everyone
who loves you,
but you destroy the wicked.
21I will praise you, LORD,
and everyone will respect
your holy name forever.
Footnotes:- Psalm 145:5 and. . . miracles: One Hebrew manuscript and two ancient translations have " as others tell about your mighty miracles."
- Psalm 145:13 Our. . . say: These words are found in one Hebrew manuscript and two ancient translations.
and always honor your name.
2I will praise you each day
and always honor your name.
3You are wonderful, LORD,
and you deserve all praise,
because you are much greater
than anyone can understand.
4Each generation will announce
to the next
your wonderful
and powerful deeds.
5I will keep thinking about
your marvelous glory
and your mighty miracles. a] 6Everyone will talk about
your fearsome deeds,
and I will tell all nations
how great you are.
7They will celebrate and sing
about your matchless mercy
and your power to save.
8You are merciful, LORD!
You are kind and patient
and always loving.
9You are good to everyone,
and you take care
of all your creation.
10All creation will thank you,
and your loyal people
will praise you.
11They will tell about
your marvelous kingdom
and your power.
12Then everyone will know about
the mighty things you do
and your glorious kingdom.
13Your kingdom will never end,
and you will rule forever.
Our LORD, you keep your word
and do everything you say. b] 14When someone stumbles or falls,
you give a helping hand.
15Everyone depends on you,
and when the time is right,
you provide them with food.
16By your own hand
you satisfy
the desires of all who live.
17Our LORD, everything you do
is kind and thoughtful,
18and you are near to everyone
whose prayers are sincere.
19You satisfy the desires
of all your worshipers,
and you come to save them
when they ask for help.
20You take care of everyone
who loves you,
but you destroy the wicked.
21I will praise you, LORD,
and everyone will respect
your holy name forever.
Footnotes:
- Psalm 145:5 and. . . miracles: One Hebrew manuscript and two ancient translations have " as others tell about your mighty miracles."
- Psalm 145:13 Our. . . say: These words are found in one Hebrew manuscript and two ancient translations.
Proverbs 30:32 (Contemporary English Version)
32If you are foolishly bragging
or planning something evil,
then stop it now!
32If you are foolishly bragging
or planning something evil,
then stop it now!
or planning something evil,
then stop it now!
Thought for the Day
“Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, "Lord, I am your servant, and now I can die in peace, because you have kept your promise to me. With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people, and foreign nations will also see this. Your mighty power is a light for all nations, and it will bring honor to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32 - Contemporary English Version) Jesus Christ didn't come to save a few people nor did he come to save those who deserve to be saved. Instead, he was born to save the entire world, both the good and the bad.
Quote for the Day
South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist, Desmond Tutu wrote, "If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies."
“Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, "Lord, I am your servant, and now I can die in peace, because you have kept your promise to me. With my own eyes I have seen what you have done to save your people, and foreign nations will also see this. Your mighty power is a light for all nations, and it will bring honor to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32 - Contemporary English Version) Jesus Christ didn't come to save a few people nor did he come to save those who deserve to be saved. Instead, he was born to save the entire world, both the good and the bad.
Quote for the Day
South African Anglican bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist, Desmond Tutu wrote, "If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies."
Joke for Today
Customer: "Excuse me waiter, this coffee tastes like mud."
Waiter: "Yes sir, it's fresh ground."
A Prayer Request
As Christians, we can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Below is the need that we're laying before God today.
That our leaders would be honest, humble and God-fearing men and women who recognize that they are accountable to God for each decision and action.
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