Saturday 15 January 2028

1Now there was a man of Benjamin,whose name was Kish the son of Abiel,the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath,the son of Aphiah,the son of a Benjamite,a mighty man of valor.2He had a son whose name was Saul, an impressive young man;and there was not among the children of Israel a more handsome person than he.From his shouldersand upward he was taller than any of the people.

3The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost.Kish said to Saul his son,“Now take one of the servants with you,and arise, go look for the donkeys.”4He passed through the hill country of Ephraim,and passed through the land of Shalishah,but they didn’t find them.Then they passed through the land of Shaalim,and they weren’t there.Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites,but they didn’t find them.

· · · verses 5–16 are not read17When Samuel saw Saul,the Lord said to him,“Behold, the man of whom I spoke to you!He will have authority over my people.”

18Then Saul approached Samuel in the gateway,and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.”

19Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer.Go up before me to the high place,for you are to eat with me today.In the morning I will let you goand will tell you all that is in your heart.

· · · some verses are not read1Then Samuel took the vial of oiland poured it on his head,then kissed him and said,“Hasn’t the Lord anointed you to be prince over his inheritance?

2The king rejoices in your strength, Lord!How greatly he rejoices in your salvation!3You have given him his heart’s desire,and have not withheld the request of his lips.

4For you meet him with the blessings of goodness.You set a crown of fine gold on his head.5He asked life of you and you gave it to him,even length of days forever and ever.

6His glory is great in your salvation.You lay honor and majesty on him.7For you make him most blessed forever.You make him glad with joy in your presence.

13He went out again by the seaside.All the multitude came to him, and he taught them.14As he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office.He said to him, “Follow me.”And he arose and followed him.

15He was reclining at the table in his house,and many tax collectorsand sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples,for there were many,and they followed him.16The scribes and the Pharisees,when they sawthat he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors,said to his disciples,“Why is it that he eatsand drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

17When Jesus heard it,he said to them, “Thosewho are healthy have no need for a physician,but those who are sick.I came not to call the righteous,but sinners to repentance.”