Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)
Psalm 87
Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.
1 He has founded his city on the holy mountain.(A)
2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion(B)
more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are said of you,
city of God:[a](C)
4 “I will record Rahab[b](D) and Babylon
among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia(E) too, and Tyre(F), along with Cush[c]—
and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”[d](G)
5 Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
“This one and that one were born in her,
and the Most High himself will establish her.”
6 The Lord will write in the register(H) of the peoples:
“This one was born in Zion.”
9 Proclaim this among the nations:
Prepare for war!(A)
Rouse the warriors!(B)
Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.
10 Beat your plowshares into swords
and your pruning hooks(C) into spears.(D)
Let the weakling(E) say,
“I am strong!”(F)
11 Come quickly, all you nations from every side,
and assemble(G) there.
Bring down your warriors,(H) Lord!
12 “Let the nations be roused;
let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,(I)
for there I will sit
to judge(J) all the nations on every side.
13 Swing the sickle,(K)
for the harvest(L) is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes,(M)
for the winepress(N) is full
and the vats overflow—
so great is their wickedness!”
14 Multitudes,(O) multitudes
in the valley(P) of decision!
For the day of the Lord(Q) is near
in the valley of decision.(R)
15 The sun and moon will be darkened,
and the stars no longer shine.(S)
16 The Lord will roar(T) from Zion
and thunder from Jerusalem;(U)
the earth and the heavens will tremble.(V)
But the Lord will be a refuge(W) for his people,
a stronghold(X) for the people of Israel.
To the Elders and the Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder(A) and a witness(B) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:(C) 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock(D) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;(E) not pursuing dishonest gain,(F) but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over(G) those entrusted to you, but being examples(H) to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd(I) appears, you will receive the crown of glory(J) that will never fade away.(K)
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves(L) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility(M) toward one another, because,
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.(O) 7 Cast all your anxiety on him(P) because he cares for you.(Q)
8 Be alert and of sober mind.(R) Your enemy the devil prowls around(S) like a roaring lion(T) looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him,(U) standing firm in the faith,(V) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.(W)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you(X) to his eternal glory(Y) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,(Z) will himself restore you and make you strong,(AA) firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.(AB)
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