Is. 7:1–25

7:1 During the reign of Ahaz son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel marched up to Jerusalem to do battle, but they were unable to prevail against it.

2It was reported to the family of David, “Syria has allied with Ephraim.” They and their people were emotionally shaken, just as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. 3So the Lord told Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear Jashub and meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool that is located on the road to the field where they wash and dry cloth. 4Tell him, ‘Make sure you stay calm! Don’t be afraid. Don’t be intimidated by these two stubs of smoking logs, or by the raging anger of Rezin, Syria, and the son of Remaliah. 5Syria has plotted with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah to bring about your demise. 6They say, “Let’s attack Judah, terrorize it, and conquer it. Then we’ll set up the son of Tabeel as its king.” 7For this reason the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘It will not take place;

it will not happen.

8For Syria’s leader is Damascus,

and the leader of Damascus is Rezin.

Within 65 years Ephraim will no longer exist as a nation.

9Ephraim’s leader is Samaria,

and Samaria’s leader is the son of Remaliah.

If your faith does not remain firm,

then you will not remain secure.’”

10The Lord again spoke to Ahaz: 11“Ask for a confirming sign from the Lord your God. You can even ask for something miraculous.” 12But Ahaz responded, “I don’t want to ask; I don’t want to put the Lord to a test.” 13So Isaiah replied, “Pay attention, family of David. Do you consider it too insignificant to try the patience of men? Is that why you are also trying the patience of my God? 14For this reason the Lord himself will give you a confirming sign. Look, this young woman is about to conceive and will give birth to a son. You, young woman, will name him Immanuel. 15He will eat sour milk and honey, which will help him know how to reject evil and choose what is right. 16Here is why this will be so: Before the child knows how to reject evil and choose what is right, the land whose two kings you fear will be desolate. 17The Lord will bring on you, your people, and your father’s family a time unlike any since Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”

18At that time the Lord will whistle for flies from the distant streams of Egypt and for bees from the land of Assyria. 19All of them will come and make their home in the ravines between the cliffs and in the crevices of the cliffs, in all the thornbushes, and in all the watering holes. 20At that time the Lord will use a razor hired from the banks of the Euphrates River, the king of Assyria, to shave the hair off the head and private parts; it will also shave off the beard. 21At that time a man will keep alive a young cow from the herd and a couple of goats. 22From the abundance of milk they produce, he will have sour milk for his meals. Indeed, everyone left in the heart of the land will eat sour milk and honey. 23At that time every place where there had been 1,000 vines worth 1,000 silver shekels will be overrun with thorns and briers. 24With bow and arrow people will hunt there, for the whole land will be covered with thorns and briers. 25They will stay away from all the hills that were cultivated for fear of the thorns and briers. Cattle will graze there, and sheep will trample on them.

Ps. 130

130:1 A song of ascents.

From the deep water I cry out to you, O Lord.

2O Lord, listen to me.

Pay attention to my plea for mercy.

3If you, O Lord, were to keep track of sins,

O Lord, who could stand before you?

4But you are willing to forgive

so that you might be honored.

5I rely on the Lord.

I rely on him with my whole being;

I wait for his assuring word.

6I yearn for the Lord,

more than watchmen do for the morning,

yes, more than watchmen do for the morning.

7O Israel, hope in the Lord,

for the Lord exhibits loyal love

and is more than willing to deliver.

8He will deliver Israel

from all their sins.

1 Cor. 16:5–24

16:5 But I will come to you after I have gone through Macedonia—for I will be going through Macedonia— 6and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you can send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7For I do not want to see you now in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows. 8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a door of great opportunity stands wide open for me, but there are many opponents.

10Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear among you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I am too. 11So then, let no one treat him with contempt. But send him on his way in peace so that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.

12With regard to our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was simply not his intention to come now. He will come when he has the opportunity.

13Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. 14Everything you do should be done in love.

15Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you 16also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard. 17I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked. 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.

19The churches in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, with the church that meets in their house. 20All the brothers and sisters send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21I, Paul, send this greeting with my own hand.

22Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come!

23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.