Tuesday 25 October 2022

18They abandoned the house of the Lord,the God of their fathers,and served the Asherah poles and the idols,so wrath came on Judahand Jerusalem for this their guiltiness.19Yet he sent prophets to them to bring them again to the Lord,and they testified against them;but they would not listen.

20The Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest;and he stood above the people,and said to them, “God says,‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commandments,so that you can’t prosper?Because you have forsaken the Lord,he has also forsaken you.’”

21They conspired against him,and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the Lord’s house.22Thus Joash the king didn’t remember the kindnesswhich Jehoiada his father had done to him,but killed his son.When he died, he said,“May the Lord look at it, and repay it.”

3Bow down your ear to me.Deliver me speedily.Be to me a strong rock,a house of defense to save me.4For you are my rock and my fortress,therefore for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.

6Into your hand I commend my spirit.You redeem me, Lord, God of truth.8I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness,for you have seen my affliction.You have known my soul in adversities.

16My times are in your hand.Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.17Make your face to shine on your servant.Save me in your loving kindness.

17But beware of men,for they will deliver you up to councils,and in their synagogues they will scourge you.18Yes, and you will be brought before governorsand kings for my sake,for a testimony to them and to the nations.19But when they deliver you up,don’t be anxious how or what you will say,for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.20For it is not you who speak,but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

21“Brother will deliver up brother to death,and the father his child.Children will rise up against parentsand cause them to be put to death.22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake,but he who endures to the end will be saved.