Mark 16
[1]
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James,
and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. [2] And
very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they
went to the tomb. [3] And they were saying to one another, “Who will
roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” [4] And
looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very
large. [5] And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the
right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. [6] And he
said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was
crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid
him. [7] But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before
you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” [8] And
they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had
seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
[9]
[[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared
first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. [10]
She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
[11] But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her,
they would not believe it.
[12]
After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they
were walking into the country. [13] And they went back and told the
rest, but they did not believe them.
[14]
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining
at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart,
because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. [15]
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to
the whole creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs
will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons;
they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up serpents with
their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them;
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
[19]
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into
heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. [20] And they went out and
preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the
message by accompanying signs.]]
Galatians 6
[1]
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are
spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on
yourself, lest you too be tempted. [2] Bear one another’s burdens, and
so fulfill the law of Christ. [3] For if anyone thinks he is something,
when he is nothing, he deceives himself. [4] But let each one test his
own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not
in his neighbor. [5] For each will have to bear his own load.
[6]
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one
who teaches. [7] Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one
sows, that will he also reap. [8] For the one who sows to his own flesh
will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit
will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] And let us not grow weary
of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
[10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and
especially to those who are of the household of faith.
[11]
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. [12]
It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force
you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be
persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] For even those who are
circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you
circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. [14] But far be it from
me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the
world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. [15] For neither
circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new
creation. [16] And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be
upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
[17] From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
[18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Psalm 118
[1] Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
[2] Let Israel say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
[3] Let the house of Aaron say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
[4] Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
[5] Out of my distress I called on the LORD;
the LORD answered me and set me free.
[6] The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
[7] The LORD is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
[8] It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
[9] It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
[10] All nations surrounded me;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
[11] They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
[12] They surrounded me like bees;
they went out like a fire among thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
[13] I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
[14] The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
[15] Glad songs of salvation
are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
[16] the right hand of the LORD exalts,
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!”
[17] I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the LORD.
[18] The LORD has disciplined me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.
[19] Open to me the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
[20] This is the gate of the LORD;
the righteous shall enter through it.
[21] I thank you that you have answered me
and have become my salvation.
[22] The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
[23] This is the LORD’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
[24] This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
[25] Save us, we pray, O LORD!
O LORD, we pray, give us success!
[26] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We bless you from the house of the LORD.
[27] The LORD is God,
and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Bind the festal sacrifice with cords,
up to the horns of the altar!
[28] You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
you are my God; I will extol you.
[29] Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Samuel 23
[1] Now these are the last words of David:
The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,
the oracle of the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
the sweet psalmist of Israel:
[2] “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me;
his word is on my tongue.
[3] The God of Israel has spoken;
the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
ruling in the fear of God,
[4] he dawns on them like the morning light,
like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
[5] “For does not my house stand so with God?
For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and secure.
For will he not cause to prosper
all my help and my desire?
[6] But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,
for they cannot be taken with the hand;
[7] but the man who touches them
arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,
and they are utterly consumed with fire.”
[8] These are the names of the mighty men whom David had:
Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded
his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.
[9]
And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo,
son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who
were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. [10] He
rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his
hand clung to the sword. And the LORD brought about a great victory that
day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.
[11]
And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The
Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground
full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. [12] But he took
his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the
Philistines, and the LORD worked a great victory.
[13]
And three of the thirty chief men went down and came about harvest time
to David at the cave of Adullam, when a band of Philistines was
encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. [14] David was then in the
stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.
[15] And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to
drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” [16] Then the
three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew
water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and carried and
brought it to David. But he would not drink of it. He poured it out to
the LORD [17] and said, “Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do
this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their
lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty
men did.
[18]
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the
thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed
them and won a name beside the three. [19] He was the most renowned of
the thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the
three.
[20]
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of
great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and
struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. [21] And he
struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his
hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear
out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. [22] These
things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and won a name beside the three
mighty men. [23] He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not
attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.
[24]
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of
Dodo of Bethlehem, [25] Shammah of Harod, Elika of Harod, [26] Helez the
Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh of Tekoa, [27] Abiezer of Anathoth,
Mebunnai the Hushathite, [28] Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai of Netophah,
[29] Heleb the son of Baanah of Netophah, Ittai the son of Ribai of
Gibeah of the people of Benjamin, [30] Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of
the brooks of Gaash, [31] Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth of Bahurim,
[32] Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, [33] Shammah
the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, [34] Eliphelet the
son of Ahasbai of Maacah, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, [35]
Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite, [36] Igal the son of Nathan of
Zobah, Bani the Gadite, [37] Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the
armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, [38] Ira the Ithrite, Gareb
the Ithrite, [39] Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.
2 Samuel 24
[1]
Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited
David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.” [2] So the
king said to Joab, the commander of the army, who was with him, “Go
through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the
people, that I may know the number of the people.” [3] But Joab said to
the king, “May the LORD your God add to the people a hundred times as
many as they are, while the eyes of my lord the king still see it, but
why does my lord the king delight in this thing?” [4] But the king’s
word prevailed against Joab and the commanders of the army. So Joab and
the commanders of the army went out from the presence of the king to
number the people of Israel. [5] They crossed the Jordan and began from
Aroer, and from the city that is in the middle of the valley, toward Gad
and on to Jazer. [6] Then they came to Gilead, and to Kadesh in the
land of the Hittites; and they came to Dan, and from Dan they went
around to Sidon, [7] and came to the fortress of Tyre and to all the
cities of the Hivites and Canaanites; and they went out to the Negeb of
Judah at Beersheba. [8] So when they had gone through all the land, they
came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days. [9] And
Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to the king: in Israel
there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah
were 500,000.
[10]
But David’s heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And
David said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But
now, O LORD, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have
done very foolishly.” [11] And when David arose in the morning, the word
of the LORD came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, [12] “Go and
say to David, ‘Thus says the LORD, Three things I offer you. Choose one
of them, that I may do it to you.’” [13] So Gad came to David and told
him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your
land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue
you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now
consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.”
[14] Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us fall into
the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into
the hand of man.”
[15]
So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning until the
appointed time. And there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba
70,000 men. [16] And when the angel stretched out his hand toward
Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to
the angel who was working destruction among the people, “It is enough;
now stay your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing
floor of Araunah the Jebusite. [17] Then David spoke to the LORD when he
saw the angel who was striking the people, and said, “Behold, I have
sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done?
Please let your hand be against me and against my father’s house.”
[18]
And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, raise an altar
to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” [19] So
David went up at Gad’s word, as the LORD commanded. [20] And when
Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming on toward
him. And Araunah went out and paid homage to the king with his face to
the ground. [21] And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his
servant?” David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, in order to
build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be averted from the
people.” [22] Then Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and
offer up what seems good to him. Here are the oxen for the burnt
offering and the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the
wood. [23] All this, O king, Araunah gives to the king.” And Araunah
said to the king, “May the LORD your God accept you.” [24] But the king
said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not
offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing.” So
David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of
silver. [25] And David built there an altar to the LORD and offered
burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD responded to the plea
for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel.
