#the Death of Joash

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

King Joash of Judah

1 In the seventh year of the reign of King Jehu of Israel, Joash became king of Judah, and he ruled in Jerusalem for forty years. His mother was Zibiah from the city of Beersheba. 2 Throughout his life he did what pleased the Lord, because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 However, the pagan places of worship were not destroyed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.

4 Joash called the priests and ordered them to save up the money paid in connection with the sacrifices in the Temple, both the dues paid for the regular sacrifices and the money given as freewill gifts. 5 Each priest was to be responsible for the money brought by those he served, and the money was to be used to repair the Temple, as needed.

6 But by the twenty-third year of Joash's reign the priests still had not made any repairs in the Temple. 7 So he called in Jehoiada and the other priests and asked them, “Why aren't you repairing the Temple? From now on you are not to keep the money you receive; you must hand it over, so that the repairs can be made.” 8 The priests agreed to this and also agreed not to make the repairs in the Temple.

9 Then Jehoiada took a box, made a hole in the lid, and placed the box by the altar, on the right side as one enters the Temple. The priests on duty at the entrance put in the box all the money given by the worshipers. 10 Whenever there was a large amount of money in the box, the royal secretary and the High Priest would come, melt down the silver, and weigh it. 11 After recording the exact amount, they would hand the silver over to the men in charge of the work in the Temple, and these would pay the carpenters, the builders, 12 the masons, and the stone cutters, buy the timber and the stones used in the repairs, and pay all other necessary expenses. 13 None of the money, however, was used to pay for making silver cups, bowls, trumpets, or tools for tending the lamps, or any other article of silver or of gold. 14 It was all used to pay the workers and to buy the materials used in the repairs. 15 The men in charge of the work were thoroughly honest, so there was no need to require them to account for the funds. 16 The money given for the repayment offerings and for the offerings for sin was not deposited in the box; it belonged to the priests.

17 At that time King Hazael of Syria attacked the city of Gath and conquered it; then he decided to attack Jerusalem. 18 King Joash of Judah took all the offerings that his predecessors Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah had dedicated to the Lord, added to them his own offerings and all the gold in the treasuries of the Temple and the palace, and sent them all as a gift to King Hazael, who then led his army away from Jerusalem.

19 Everything else that King Joash did is recorded in The History of the Kings of Judah.

20-21 King Joash's officials plotted against him, and two of them, Jozacar son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer, killed him at the house built on the land that was filled in on the east side of Jerusalem, on the road that goes down to Silla. Joash was buried in the royal tombs in David's City, and his son Amaziah succeeded him as king. — 2 Kings 12 | Good News Translation (GNT) The Holy Bible; Good News Translation Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Cross References: Genesis 21:14; Exodus 30:13; Leviticus 4:24; Judges 9:6; 2 Samuel 5:11; 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Kings 5:15; 1 Kings 7:48; 1 Kings 14:26; 1 Kings 15:14; 1 Kings 15:18; 2 Kings 13:1; 2 Chronicles 24:5; Mark 12:41; Luke 21:1; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26

[childofchrist1983]

Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD. - 2 Chronicles 24:17-21 KJV

Why do so many of us listen to people who just want to lure us away from God and His Gospel Truth? King Joash had reigned since he was seven years old, having been protected as an infant and saved because of the actions of Jehoiada, the priest of God. Now he was dead, and the king is no longer listening to the voice of God! King Joash had even raised money to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and had gold and silver melted to allow them to have the sacred vessels needed for worship. Nowadays, we can become just as jaded by the world and think that the world knows more about life than God!

Do you have children? As adults, we know they listen better! But, we are often teenagers when we listen to God's words to us. As children in faith, we are more attuned to God's voice, because we have made a decision to faithfully and willingly follow Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings given to us in His Holy Word. I have often referred to the Holy Bible as "God's instruction manual for our lives" and many of my Christian brethren will also call it "B.I.B.L.E. - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth". If you have ever tried to put something together, you know what I mean! We have choices to make. We can get out the instructions, follow them and come up with the finished product that is just what we were looking for. Or, we can put aside the instructions; work for hours trying to figure out how to do it; have some pieces left over, and have a product that doesn't work the way it should. Oftentimes, that means that we need to take it apart and start all over. In that aspect, we are better off than Joash, who would find Judah and Jerusalem devastated by the army of Syria and killed by his own servants. We will not lose our lives by not following instructions when putting together a piece of furniture, but if we ignore God's instruction and guidance, we risk losing eternal life with Him in His Kingdom of Heaven.

Just as God gave King Joash opportunities to repent and listen to and serve Him, God gives us the same. He sends people into our lives to remind us of what is truly important - and that is following, obeying, worshipping and serving Him. May He help us to listen and follow Him and His instruction as we pray and read the Holy Bible daily. Our sins have made a breach between us and Father God Almighty and Jesus Christ as well as His Kingdom of Heaven, a gulf or chasm that is too vast for any man to build a bridge over. But the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ has made a way for us. May He teach us to hate our sin and love Him more with each passing day.

Everyday, we must remember to thank Him for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and guilt. May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[catenaaurea]

David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; and Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; and Asa begat Josaphat. And Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; and Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; and Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon. (Matthew 1:6-11)

In the fourth book of Kings we read, that Ochozias was the son of Joram. On his death, Josabeth, sister of Ochozias and daughter of Joram, took Joash, her brother’s son, and preserved him from the slaughter of the royal seed by Athalias. To Joash succeeded his son Amasias; after him his son Azarias, who is called Ozias; after him his son Joatham. Thus you see according to historical truth there were three intervening kings, who are omitted by the Evangelist. Joram, moreover, begot not Ozias, but Ochozias, and the rest as we have related. But because it was the purpose of the Evangelist to make each of the three periods consist of fourteen generations, and because Joram had connected himself with Jezebel’s most impious race, therefore his posterity to the third generation is omitted in tracing the lineage of the holy birth. Otherwise, we may consider the first Jeconias to be the same as Joakim, and the second to be the son not the father, the one being spelt with k and m, the second by ch and n. This distinction has been confounded both by Greeks and Latins, by the fault of writers and the lapse of time.

Jerome

That there were two kings of the name of Joakim, is clear from the Book of Kings. And Joakim slept with his fathers, and Joachin his son reigned, in his stead. (2 Kings 24:6.) This son is the same whom Jeremiah calls Jeconias. And rightly did St. Matthew purpose to differ from the Prophet, because he sought to shew therein the great abundance of the Lord’s mercies. For the Lord did not seek among men nobility of race, but suitably chose to be born of captives and of sinners, as He came to preach remission of sin to the captives. The Evangelist therefore did not conceal either of these; but rather shewed them both, inasmuch as both were called Jeconias.

Ambrose

But the order in the Book of Kings (2 Kings 23.) is different, thus namely; Josias begot Eliakim, afterwards called Joakim; Joakim begot Jechonias. But Joakim is not reckoned among the Kings in the genealogy, because God’s people had not set him on the throne, but Pharaoh by his might. For if it were just that only for their intermixture with the race of Ahab, three kings should be shut out of the number in the genealogy, was it not just that Joakim should be likewise shut out, whom Pharaoh had set up as king by hostile force? And thus Jechonias, who is the son of Joakim, and the grandson of Josiah, is reckoned among the kings as the son of Josiah, in place of his father who is omitted.

Pseudo-Chrysostom

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Tuesday, June 27, 2023

june 27_june14

THE HOLY PROPHET ELISHA/ELISEI ( 9 th.c. BC)

The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the ninth century before the Birth of Christ and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord, he was called to prophetic service by the Holy Prophet Elias (July 20).

When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, “Ask what shall I do for you before I am taken from you.” Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: “Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.” The Prophet Elias said, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so” (4 [2] Kings 2: 10). As they went along the way talking, there appeared a fiery chariot and horses and separated them both. Elisha cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” (4 Kings 2: 12). Picking up the mantle of his teacher, which fell from the sky, Elisha received the power and prophetic gift of Elias. He spent over 65 years in predictive service under six Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived, he did not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome him (Sirach 48: 13 [“Sirach” is called “Ecclesiasticus” in Catholic Bibles ]).

The holy prophet worked numerous miracles. He divided the waters of the Jordan, having struck it with the mantle of the Prophet Elias; he made the waters of a Jericho spring fit for drinking; he saved the armies of the kings of Israel and Judah that stood in an arid wilderness by bringing forth abundant water by his prayer; he delivered a poor widow from death by starvation through a miraculous increase of oil in a vessel. This Shunamite woman showing hospitality to the prophet was gladdened by the birth of a son through his prayer, and when the child died, he was raised back to life by the prophet. The Syrian military-commander Namaan was healed from leprosy, but the prophet’s servant Gehazi was afflicted since he disobeyed the prophet and took money from Namaan.

Elisha predicted to the Israelite king Joash the victory over his enemies, and by the power of his prayer, he worked many other miracles (4 Kings 3-13). The holy Prophet Elisha died in old age at Samaria. “In his life, he worked miracles, and at death his works were marvellous” (Sir. 48: 15). A year after his death, a corpse was thrown into the prophet’s grave. As soon as the dead man touched Elisha’s bones, he came to life and stood up (4 Kings 13: 20-21). The Prophet Elisha and his teacher, the Prophet Elias, left no books behind them since their prophetic preaching was oral. Jesus, son of Sirach, praised both great prophets (Sir. 48:1-15).

John of Damascus composed a canon in honor of the Prophet Elisha, and at Constantinople, a church was built in his honor.

Julian the Apostate (361-363) gave orders to burn the relics of the Prophet Elisha, Abdia (Obadiah), and John the Forerunner. Still, the holy relics were preserved by believers, and part of them was transferred to Alexandria.

In the twentieth century, the humble priest Nicholas Planas had a great veneration for the Prophet Elisha and was worthy of seeing him in visions.

SAINT METHODIUS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE (847)

Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople, was born in Sicily into a rich family. Having a vocation to serve God, he went to a monastery on the island of Chios while still in his youth and renovated it with his means. During the reign of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian (813-820), Methodius held the high position of “apokrisiaros” (“advocate for Church matters”) under the holy Patriarch Nikēphóros (June 2). He was dispatched by the patriarch to Rome on a mission to the papacy, and he remained there. During this period, Leo the Armenian removed Nikēphóros from the patriarchal throne and put on it the iconoclast Theodotus of Melissinea, given the nickname “Kassiter” (“Tinman”) (815-822). After the death of Leo the Armenian, Saint Methodius returned, and in the dignity of a presbyter, he struggled incessantly against the Iconoclast heresy.

The emperor Michael the Stammerer (820-829) was first noted for his benevolence, and he set free many imprisoned by his predecessor for their veneration of icons, but after a while, he renewed the persecution against Orthodoxy. Saint Methodius was locked up in prison in Akrita. After the death of Michael the Stammerer, the ruler was Theophilus (829-842), also an iconoclast. More refined a man than his father, he set free Saint Methodius, who likewise was a man of learning, superbly skilled in matters not only ecclesial but also civil. Having received his freedom, Saint Methodius renewed the struggle with the heretics, and for a while, the emperor tolerated this.

But after defeat in a war with the Arabs, Theophilus vented his anger against Methodius, saying that God had punished him because he had let an “icon-worshipper” come close to him. Methodius objected, saying that the Lord was angry with him for the insults upon His holy icons. They gave the saint over to torture, and struck him much about the face, from which his jaw was broken. Ugly scars remained on his face. Methodius was sent off to the island of Antigonos and locked up with two robbers in a deep cave. In this dark prison where the light of day did not penetrate, Methodius languished for 7 years until the death of the emperor Theophilus.

During this time, the holy Confessors Theodore and Theophanes the Branded (December 27), who had also been sent to prison, sent Methodius greetings in verse, and the prisoner replied with greetings in verse.

After the death of Theophilus, his son Michael III (842-867) began to rule, but not being of mature age, the Byzantine Empire was actually ruled by his mother, Empress Theodora, a venerater of icons.

The empress tried to extirpate the Iconoclast heresy and gave orders to free the confessors imprisoned for icon veneration. The heretic Annios occupying the patriarchal throne was banished, and Saint Methodius was chosen. At Constantinople was convened a local Council with Saint Methodius presiding (842). The Council restored icon veneration and established an annual celebration of the triumph of Orthodoxy. The “Synodikon of Orthodoxy” compiled by Saint Methodius is read on the First Sunday of Great Lent.

Attempting to undermine the authority of Saint Methodius and his flock's love and esteem for him, the heretics slandered him as having transgressed chastity. The slander was exposed as such, and the saint's enemies were put to shame. The final years of the saint passed peacefully; he toiled much, wisely guided the Church and his flock, renovated temples ruined by the heretics, gathered up the relics of saints scattered about by the heretics, and transferred the relics of Patriarch Nikēphóros from the place of his imprisonment back to Constantinople. Saint Methodius died in the year 846. He was spiritually close to Ioannikos (4 November), who foretold that he would become patriarch at the time of his death. Besides the “Synodikon of Orthodoxy,” the holy hierarch also compiled a rule for those converted to the Faith, three rites of marriage, and several pastoral sermons and church hymns.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

ROMANS 10:11-11:2

11 The Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame." 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." 14 How shall they call on Him whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?" 17 So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. 18, But I say, have they yet to hear? Yes indeed:"Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." 19 But I say, did Israel not know? First, Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation." 20 But Isaiah boldly says:"I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel, he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people."

1 I say, then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,

[beardedmrbean]

Police in Kenya are investigating the death of young fashion designer and LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba after his body was found dumped in a metal box by the roadside near the town of Eldoret.

A suspect believed to be a friend of the victim has been arrested but police have not spoken about a motive.

Rights organisations in Kenya, where gay sex is outlawed, have linked the killing to his sexuality.

One group estimates that more than half of LGBTQ Kenyans have been assaulted.

"Words cannot even explain how we as a community are feeling right now. Another soul lost due to hate. You will be missed," rights organisation galck+ posted on Twitter.

"Edwin's death reminds us that queer bodies continue to be under attack all over the country," the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission wrote on Instagram.

Tributes on social media describe Chiloba, who was in his mid-20s, as "an amazing human" and an "iconic fashion designer".

Last month Chiloba wrote on Instagram that he was "going to fight for all marginalised people", saying that he himself had been marginalised.

He "spread love wherever he went, was bold about his existence as a queer man and encouraged many others to do the same," Chris Makena, an activist and friend of Chiloba, told the BBC.

He had moved to Eldoret from the capital, Nairobi, in 2019 to study fashion and was beginning to make a name for himself in design, another friend said.

His body was discovered on Wednesday.

A witness is quoted as saying that someone in a vehicle without a number plate was seen leaving a metal box at the side of the road.

It was reported to the police, who went to open the box to find the corpse.

"We don't know for now why he was killed that way. Experts are handling the matter," police spokesperson Resila Onyango was earlier quoted by the Star newspaper as saying.

She later sent a text message to the Reuters news agency saying that one male suspect had been arrested "but the matter is still under investigation".

Another police officer said the suspect is thought to have been a long-time friend of Chiloba, the AFP news agency reports.

Gay sex in Kenya is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Though it is rarely enforced, members of the country's LGBTQ community routinely face discrimination and stigma, and efforts to decriminalise gay sex have been thwarted.

Last year, the killing of non-binary lesbian Sheila Lumumba led to a social media campaign to get #JusticeForSheila.

There were similar campaigns in 2021 following the murders of trans-woman activist Erica Chandra and LGBTQ activist Joash Mosoti.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

18th June >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saturday, Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

    or 

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday, Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green)

First Reading

2 Chronicles 24:17-25

They murdered Zechariah between the sanctuary and the altar (Matthew 23:35).

After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to King Joash, and the king then listened to them. They forsook the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the LORD, the people would not listen to their warnings. Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the LORD’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the LORD, he has abandoned you.’” But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the LORD’s temple. Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said,“(May the LORD see and avenge.”

   At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. Though the Aramean force came with few men, the LORD surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,    I have sworn to David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity    and establish your throne for all generations.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,    and my covenant with him stands firm. I will make his posterity endure forever    and his throne as the days of heaven.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“If his sons forsake my law    and walk not according to my ordinances, If they violate my statutes    and keep not my commands.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

“I will punish their crime with a rod    and their guilt with stripes. Yet my mercy I will not take from him,    nor will I belie my faithfulness.”

R/ For ever I will maintain my love for my servant.

Gospel Acclamation

2 Corinthians 8:9

Alleluia, alleluia. Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 6:24-34

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

   “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

---------------------------------

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading

Genesis 3:9-15, 20

I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me– she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”    Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned    from all the animals    and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl,    and dirt shall you eat    all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman,    and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head,    while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

OR: --------

First reading Genesis 12:1-7 The Lord spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever (Luke 1:55).

The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.

”I will make of you a great nation,    and I will bless you; I will make your name great,    so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you    and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth    shall find blessing in you.”

Abram went as the LORD directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his brother’s son Lot, all the possessions that they had accumulated, and the persons they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land as far as the sacred place at Shechem, by the terebinth of Moreh. (The Canaanites were then in the land.)    The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him.

OR: --------

First reading 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-11, 16 The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father (Luke 1:32).

When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.” But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in?’    “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

OR: --------

First reading 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2 They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it.

David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the LORD to the place which he had prepared for it. David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites. The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, as Moses had ordained according to the word of the LORD.    David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren as chanters, to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals to make a loud sound of rejoicing.    They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it. Then they offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. When David had finished offering up the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

OR: --------

First reading Proverbs 8:22-31 Mary, seat of Wisdom.

The Wisdom of God says:

“The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways,    the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; From of old I was poured forth,    at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth,    when there were no fountains or springs of water; Before the mountains were settled into place,    before the hills, I was brought forth; While as yet the earth and fields were not made,    nor the first clods of the world.

“When he established the heavens I was there,    when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; When he made firm the skies above,    when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; When he set for the sea its limit,    so that the waters should not transgress his command; Then was I beside him as his craftsman,    and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while,    playing on the surface of his earth;    and I found delight in the sons of men.”

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 24:1-2, 3-4, 8-12, 18-21 Mary, seat of Wisdom.

Wisdom sings her own praises and is honored in God,    before her own people she proclaims her glory; In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth,    in the presence of his power she declares her worth.

“From the mouth of the Most High I came forth    the first-born before all creatures. I made that in the heavens there should arise    light that never fades    and mistlike covered the earth. In the highest heavens did I dwell,    my throne on a pillar of cloud.

“Then the Creator of all gave me his command,    and he who formed me chose the spot for my tent, Saying, ‘In Jacob make your dwelling,    in Israel your inheritance    and among my chosen put down your roots.’ Before all ages, in the beginning, he created me,    and through all ages I shall not cease to be. In the holy tent I ministered before him,    and in Zion I fixed my abode. Thus in the chosen city he has given me rest,    in Jerusalem is my domain. I have struck root among the glorious people,    in the portion of the LORD, his heritage    and in the company of the holy ones do I linger.

“Come to me, all you that yearn for me,    and be filled with my fruits; You will remember me as sweeter than honey,    better to have than the honeycomb    my memory is unto everlasting generations. Whoever eats of me will hunger still,    whoever drinks of me will thirst for more; Whoever obeys me will not be put to shame,    whoever serves me will never fail.”

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.

The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 9:1-6 A son is given us.

The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom    a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy    and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest,    as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them,    the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster    you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle,    every cloak rolled in blood,    will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us;    upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,    Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast    and forever peaceful, From David’s throne, and over his kingdom,    which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice,    both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:9-11 I rejoice heartily in the Lord.

Thus says the LORD:

Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations,    and their offspring among the peoples; All who see them shall acknowledge them    as a race the LORD has blessed.

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,    in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation,    and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem,    like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants,    and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise    spring up before all the nations.

OR: --------

First reading Micah 5:1-4a Until the time when she who is to give birth has borne.

The LORD says:

You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah,    too small to be among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me    one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old,    from ancient times. (Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time    when she who is to give birth has borne, And the rest of his brethren shall return    to the children of Israel.) He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock    by the strength of the LORD,    in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness    shall reach to the ends of the earth;    he shall be peace.

OR: --------

First reading Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day,    and they shall be his people,    and he will dwell among you,    and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. The LORD will possess Judah as his portion in the holy land,    and he will again choose Jerusalem. Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD!    for he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.

-------- ________

EITHER: --------

Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the LORD,    my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies;    I rejoice in my victory.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The bows of the mighty are broken,    while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,    while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons,    while the mother of many languishes.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The LORD puts to death and gives life;    he casts down to the nether world;    he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich,    he humbles, he also exalts.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“He raises the needy from the dust;    from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles    and make a glorious throne their heritage.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18bcde, 19

You are the highest honor of our race.

“Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,    above all the women on earth;    and blessed be the LORD God,    the creator of heaven and earth.”

You are the highest honor of our race.

“Your deed of hope will never be forgotten    by those who tell of the might of God.”

You are the highest honor of our race.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,    forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty;    for he is your lord, and you must worship him.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;    her raiment is threaded with spun gold. In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;    behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

They are borne in with gladness and joy;    they enter the palace of the king. The place of your fathers your sons shall have;    you shall make them princes through all the land.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD,    praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD    both now and forever.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun    is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD;    above the heavens is his glory.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high    and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

He raises up the lowly from the dust;    from the dunghill he lifts up the poor To seat them with princes,    with the princes of his own people.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,    my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed:    the Almighty has done great things for me    and holy is his Name.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“He has mercy on those who fear him    in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm,    he has scattered the proud in their conceit.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,    and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things,    and the rich he has sent away empty.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

“He has come to the help of his servant Israel    for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers,    to Abraham and his children for ever.”

The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. or O Blessed Virgin Mary, you carried the Son of the eternal Father.

-------- ________

Gospel Acclamation see Luke 1:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: see Luke 1:45

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: see Luke 2:19

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of God and pondered it in her heart. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Luke 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary; without dying you won the martyr’s crown beneath the Cross of the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

________

EITHER: --------

Gospel Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.    Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.    David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.    After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.    Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,    and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 1:18-23 For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,    and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt.

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.    When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 12:46-50 Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, here are my mother and my brothers.

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 1:26-38 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son.

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 1:39-47 Blessed is she who believed.

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”    And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;    my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:1-14 She gave birth to her firstborn son.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.    Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:15b-19 Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:27-35 You yourself a sword will pierce.

Simeon came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;    your word has been fulfilled; my own eyes have seen the salvation    which you prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations    and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 2:41-52 Your father and I have been looking for you.

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 11:27-28 Blessed is the womb that carried you.

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

OR: --------

Gospel John 2:1-11 The mother of Jesus was there.

There was a wedding in Cana at Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from although the servers who had drawn the water knew, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

OR: --------

Gospel John 19:25-27 Behold, your son. Behold, your mother.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

[thenewdeadseascrolls]

Judges 8: 28-35. "The Ace of Doves."

Each "cell" in the development of the Jewish Self is delimited in the Torah and the Tanakh by Forty Years. The Value in Gematria explains why the number twelve plays a role in Judaism.

The Number associated with Forty Years is 1212, and which means אבאב‎ abab, "the father of daddies" in Hebrew. In order to be able to recognize the progenitor of the Jewish Identity, one must endure a course that takes Forty Years, or complete the imprint of the Ephod which contains the names of the 12 Nobles of Israel.

Our ancestors must have teased this out of the Hebrew Language and filled in the blanks as their writing of the Torah began to fill out. We need Seven Days to become sentient, forty years to become skilled, and the skills we need number 12. Not because some hairy old men with potbellies sat around a fire in the desert 3,000 years and ago and brainstormed about being Jewish, but because this is how Hebrew, which was invented by God, works.

There are also obstacles to the Identity described by the language and the alphabet, the one we are dealing with here is called Midian which means "a complaint issued at the discrimination of a primitive man or judge." A Midianite is a bitcher.

The world is being run down by bitchers. The Torah, Tanakh and this Shoppers Guide to the Tasty Jewish Identity, the Shoftim say primitivity is not allowed. Not only is it not allowed, it must killed, burnt off like a wart from the carapace of mankind. It is the job of an Israelite to do this. This is a prescription and a duty, it is the Law and must be done.

I cannot explain the illness I feel when I hear about this Jesus shit from the bitchers who can't read what He said. They have ruined life on earth with their bullshit, murdered and raped with impunity and all of them have to die in exchange for it.

As for Gideon the Jewish Avenger, he dies after he defeats the urge to bitch. He takes off Baal's socks, goes home and gives birth to seventy fruits of his actions from his many wives (good habits) and a concubine, his Rabbi. His inner Shoftim was named Abimelek, "the King of Polish." Verily a polished man is superior to a bitcher.

As with all of the offices in the Torah and Tanakh, as this one ends a new one begins with evil done in the Eyes of the Lord. Judaism is practiced upwards and stepwise. So once the inner complainer is conquered we need to find out how shop away Baal-Berith, the "the god of promises" AKA "the god of confederates."

We all know this one. He is not a bitcher, he is a liar, and that is worse:

Gideon’s Death

28 Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During Gideon’s lifetime, the land had peace forty years.

29 Jerub-Baal son of Joash went back home to live. 30 He had seventy sons of his own, for he had many wives. 

31 His concubine, who lived in Shechem, also bore him a son, whom he named Abimelek. 

32 Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god 

34 and did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 

35 They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) in spite of all the good things he had done for them.

The death of Gideon and the asscension of the next Judge whose name is Abimelek begins with what is called Shechem, "the shoulders."

The etymology suggests someone who is willing to get up early and take initiative, but the Halachah says much more than this. We cannot, unfortunately be polished by someone else. Abimelek means to be "self-made."

Spies can see what is coming, but only the self can avoid it and this may require some deeply unsettling experiences. The Torah was not written to make us mistake or experience proof, but to find the God of Jonathan and overturn the conditions that caused one's downfall and rapidly become one's own better master. We know how Jonathan did this, he lifted up his towel, found a man much better than himself and died for his sake. Jonathan, son of King Saul, "the entreaty" a Prince had the correct ambitions and did what had to be done to give Israel a king. He had very big shoulders.

The above stanzas from the Shoftim above say big shoulders are not enough to engender the loyalty needed to sustain all of Israel. In order to move on and learn how to do this, we are going to bury Judge Gideon Joash Ophrah Abiezerite, "The Hewer who is willing to grasp the fixed flower of God's help."

Jewishness cannot be enforced only learned. God will not unveil Ha Shem to a Jew that is not willing to reveal himself fully on Horeb. He will not initiate the process, he will not accept it unless one follows the proper way to do it.

The Values in Gematria for the above verses follow:

v. 28:Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. The head is "the knot of the tefillin", the Devarim portion of the Torah. The Devarim are a guide to life on the other side of Jordan, which takes place way on the other side of the Desert of Zin and that takes place after Egypt.

The knot in the head are the practices associated with experience, good sense, and practice of the Noble Jewish Self after it surpasses the horrible experiences of its former generations.

This process as we discussed cannot be delegated, not even to an angel or the Chief Angel, Ha Shem Himself as God explained to Moses on Sinai.

The Value in Gematria is 5575, ההזה‎, "This one." The One is always "understanding".

v. 29-30. Jerub-Baal son of Joash went back home to live. 30 He had seventy sons of his own, for he had many wives. 

Going back home is the point of Judaism. Other faiths say it is get saved or absorbed in the Brahman or to pray away the gay, but a Jew wants to go home.

The Value in Gematria is 9060, טאֶפֶסו‎אֶפֶס, tafesoufes, "Don't miss out."

v. 31.  His concubine, who lived in Shechem, also bore him a son, whom he named Abimelek. He stood on his teacher's shoulders, and became a polished man. The Value in Gematria is 4042, דאֶפֶסדב‎‎, daphesdev, "take a page from the Ace of Doves."

=King David. And recall the Torah Scroll is all one long page.

v. 32.  Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. The Value in Gematria is 5440, הדדאֶפֶס, hadad, "the desktop."

=one's character. To build character one must have an ideal in mind. So the desktop is the place where one's personal Jewish Character is drafted after the chosen model. The Shoftim recommends one model in particular.

Except...who waits for a prince or a king to show up? No one. Just as the Rabbini said, even if one stands shoulders above the rest, one will inevitably fall prey to a toad instead of waiting for the prince and prostitute themselves to a puny man instead:

v. 33. No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god.  The Value in Gematria is 5062, האֶפֶסוב‎‎, the Ephesus. The end is a beginning which is an end. Baal Berith is the god of the promise, not a good thing if the promiser is a schizmotsek.

v. 34: And did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. The Value in Gematria is 4813, דחאג‎ , "urges."

Urges exact promises from us. Nice people fall prey to them too, and sin. One should not do this too often once they discover it damages one's polish, the appearance and reality of one's propriety.

v. 35: They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) in spite of all the good things he had done for them. The Value in Gematria is 6760, and Zoeps, "they faked it."

They did not understand the difference between the spiritual and the material and did not try to figure it out. This skill is clearly of the essence if one wants to be Shoftim.

[emunenen]

Kisii deputy Governor Joash Maangi narrates how he escaped death at the hands of irate boda boda riders in Narok

[carltonblaylock]

Valley of Jezreel

Judges 6:31-35 31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Would you plead for Baal? Would you save him? Let the one who would plead for him be put to death by morning! If he is a god, let him plead for himself, because his altar has been torn down!” 32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, “Let Baal plead against him, because he has torn down his altar.” 33 Then all the…

[dfroza]

A sign of the sun & moon

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 12th chapter of the book of Revelation:

As I looked, a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman came into view clothed in the radiance of the sun, standing with the moon under her feet, and she was crowned with a wreath of twelve stars on her head. She was painfully pregnant and was crying out in the agony of labor. Then a second sign appeared in heaven, ominous, foreboding: a great red dragon, with seven crowned heads and ten horns. The dragon’s tail brushed one-third of the stars from the sky and hurled them down to the earth. The dragon crouched in front of the laboring woman, waiting to devour her child the moment it was born.

She gave birth to a male child, who is destined to rule the nations with an iron scepter. Before the dragon could bite and devour her son, the child was whisked away and brought to God and His throne. The woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place of refuge and safety where she could find sustenance for 1,260 days.

A battle broke out in heaven. Michael, along with his heavenly messengers, clashed against the dragon. The dragon and his messengers returned the fight, but they did not prevail and were defeated. As a result, there was no place left for them in heaven. So the great dragon, that ancient serpent who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, was cast down to the earth along with his messengers. Then I heard a great voice in heaven.

A Voice: Now the salvation and the power

and the kingdom of our God

and the authority of His Anointed One have come.

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,

who relentlessly accuses them day and night before our God,

has been cast down and silenced.

By the blood of the Lamb

and the word of their witnesses,

they have become victorious over him,

For they did not hold on to their lives, even under threat of death.

Therefore, rejoice, all you heavens;

celebrate, all you who live in them.

But disaster will befall the earth and the sea,

for the devil has come down to your spheres,

And he is incredibly angry

because he knows his time is nearly over.

When the dragon realized he had been cast down to the earth, he pursued the mother of the male infant. In order to escape the serpent, she was given the two wings of the great eagle to fly deeper into the wilderness to her own special place where she would find sustenance for a time, and times, and half a time. Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a raging river that chased after the woman, trying to sweep her away in the flood. But the earth came to her rescue. It opened its gaping mouth and swallowed the river that spewed from the dragon’s mouth. As a result, the dragon was enraged at the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children—those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the testimony of Jesus.

And [the dragon] stood waiting on the sand of the seashore.

The Book of Revelation, Chapter 12 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

The sign that appears in the vision is of a celestial woman who gives birth to a son. While it’s possible this could refer to Mary, the mother of Jesus, it is also possible this is a symbol of God’s chosen people. The faithful remnant of Israel is the womb that carried the Lord and delivered Him to the world. While the great red dragon does his best to destroy and devour Him, God has another plan. Since then, the dragon and his minions have done their best to harangue and persecute the woman’s children. But again he does not have the final word.

Today’s paired reading from the First Testament is the 1st chapter of the book of Hosea:

The words in this book are the words of the Eternal One, which were told to Hosea (Beeri’s son) when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah; and when Jeroboam (Joash’s son) was king of Israel.

This is the word the Eternal spoke through Hosea first.

Eternal One (to Hosea): Go and marry a woman who is a prostitute and have children who come from this unfaithfulness. This will represent how the land of Israel has abandoned Me and become a prostitute to other masters!

So Hosea married a woman named Gomer (Diblaim’s daughter). She became pregnant and gave birth to his son.

Eternal One: I want you to name this boy Jezreel because I’m just about to punish Jehu’s dynasty for all the blood Jehu shed at the city of Jezreel. I will bring an end to the monarchy in Israel. Here’s how I’m going to do it: I’ll destroy their army and break their bow when they fight the Assyrians in the valley of Jezreel.

Gomer became pregnant again, and this time she had a girl.

Eternal One: I want you to name her Shown No Mercy, because I’m not going to show any more mercy to the people of Israel. I won’t forgive them anymore. But I will have mercy on the people of Judah. Even though they could never win in battle with their own weapons—bows and swords, horses and cavalry—I’m going to save them personally.

After Gomer finished nursing Shown No Mercy, she became pregnant again and had another boy.

Eternal One: I want you to name him Not My People, because these people aren’t Mine anymore, and I am not their God.

But things won’t always be this way. Someday there’ll be so many people in Israel that they’ll be like the grains of sand at the seashore—too many to count! It shall turn out that in the very place where it was said to them, “You are not My people,” they will be called “Children of the living God.” The people of Judah and the people of Israel will return from exile and gather together as one nation again, and they’ll agree on only one leader for all of them. It will be a great day when they go up from the land and “Jezreel” is a reality.

The Book of Hosea, Chapter 1 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

This judgment is for the crime of slaughtering Ahab’s family at the city of Jezreel by Jehu when he made himself king, and the punisment includes Jehu’s great-grandson, King Jeroboam.

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Wednesday, december 27 of 2023 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New) of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about the starting point:

This week we will finish reading the Book of Genesis (סֵפֶר בְּרֵאשִׁית) for the current Jewish year... This essential book begins with an account of the creation of the universe by the LORD and the creation of man in His image and likeness. Genesis not only explains the origin of life itself but also the origin of death that resulted from Adam's transgression, a condition of "spiritual death" that was passed on to Adam and Eve's descendants and that affects the very fabric of creation. The book then reveals the corruption of the first ten generations of humanity that eventually led to divine judgment by means of the worldwide flood (mabbul). From Noah's line, however, would come Abraham who was called by God to become the patriarch through whom the promised Deliverer would come. The remainder of the book focuses on the lives of the three great patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and ends with the story of Joseph, Jacob's firstborn son of Rachel, who eventually brought the entire family of Jacob to Egypt to escape famine. This of course set the stage for the great Exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses...

The book of Genesis ends with Joseph dying and being put into a coffin in Egypt (Gen. 50:26). Note that the word translated "coffin" is the Hebrew word aron (אֲרוֹן), a word used elsewhere in the Torah to refer exclusively to the Ark of the Covenant (the ark that Noah built and the ark that Moses was placed in are both called “teivah”). Throughout their desert wanderings, then, after the Sinai revelation, the Israelites carried two special arks - one holding the bones of Joseph and the other holding the tablets of the Ten Commandments.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Genesis 1:1 reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/gen1-1-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/gen1-1-lesson.pdf

12.25.23 • Facebook

from yesterday’s email by Israel 365:

Why did Joseph adopt this approach with his brothers? What lesson was he trying to impart through this elaborate charade? Joseph wanted his brothers to confront their past misjudgments and understand that things aren’t always as they seem. They stood facing the viceroy of Egypt, the very man who saved the world from famine, who was exhibiting seemingly irrational behavior. Similarly, they had misinterpreted their younger brother and his dreams, judged him unworthy, and sold him into slavery. Like the guests at the poor groom’s wedding, they were quick to assume, failing to look beyond the surface to discern the truth about their brother.

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

December 27, 2023

Lift Up Your Eyes

“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.” (Isaiah 40:26)

Our text makes three majestic statements about the cosmos, each reflecting true scientific insight as well as the work of each person of the divine Trinity. The omnipresent Father has “brought out” an infinite “host” of organized systems in the cosmos—galaxies, stars, planets, animals, and people. All are capable of description mathematically, “by number,” and thus all bear witness to their great Designer. Chance processes never generate organization or complexity, so special creation by God is the only legitimate explanation for the “numbered” host of heaven.

The Son is the omniscient Word of information, description, and meaning. Every system in the cosmos is not only numbered but named! That is, in the mind of its Creator, it has a function and has been coded to fulfill its purpose. The Second Law states that systems never code themselves but rather always tend to distort the information originally programmed into them. Only an omniscient Creator could thus implement the divine purpose for every created entity.

Finally, the Holy Spirit is the omnipotent Energizer who activates and empowers every system. The Second Law says that energy becomes less available as time goes on, so only the Creator could provide the energy to activate the designed, programmed cosmos in the beginning.

When we finally look up and really “behold who hath created these things,” we must see God the Creator—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. HMM

[ancestorsofjudah]

2 Kings 14: 15-22. "Two."

We just discussed the role of the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Israel and the Assembly or Prophets, Priests, Captains, Officials and the Secretary, of course, to ensure the people are never backed into a corner. The corner might an economic one, it might be an industrial, technical, epidemiological or a situation involviing the military, but whatever the cause, the Melachim are supposed to be prepared to act.

Jehoash, the "What God knows, but we don't" overtook an overconfident rival, Amaziah and took everything he owned. This must not happen to a King or a country.

The Book of Kings brackets the events in the aforementioned sections in terms of the reigns of both kings, and provides details necessary to their proper interpretation through Gematria:

The Reign of Jehoash

15 As for the other events of the reign of Jehoash, what he did and his achievements, including his war against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Israel? 

16 Jehoash rested with his ancestors and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And Jeroboam his son succeeded him as king.

v15: the Value in Gematria is 11215, יא‎ב‎אה, yes, yes!

=Why does the birthright child receive a double portion?

In ancient Israel, for example, all the sons received some of their father's property, but the firstborn received a double portion and became the leader of the family. With his double portion, this son took care of his mother and sisters and others in the family who could not care for themselves.

v16: the Value in Gematria is 7446, ז‎דדו‎, zeddo, "they hunted."

"trapping two."

Relevance of a Repeated Phrase

If two become trapped and enter into an arragement that involves the birthright and a subsequence inheritance this means there is love and romance between them. The reference alludes to Jacob's erotic encounter with an angel, but this applies to all the many scales and combinations of human relations:

And a man wrestled with him (Jacob) until the break of dawn but when the man saw that he could not overcome him, he struck the hollow of his thigh, and Jacob's thigh was strained as he wrestled with him."2

The Torah is usually economical with its words, yet here the verse ends with a reminder that Jacob was involved in wrestling despite having earlier informed us of this fact.

The Biblical word employed here for "and he wrestled" is vaye'avek. Biblical commentary offers two interpretations. The first is rooted in the Hebrew translation of the word avak, which means "dust" — their fierce wrestling kicked up a cloud of dust. The second is rooted in the Aramaic translation of the word avak, which means "to bond" — "in the manner of wrestlers who throw their arms around each other in tight embrace."3

The two translations are slightly different but when taken together they lend new insight into the nature of Jacob's struggle. The first translation clearly connotes a struggle, a serious attempt to defeat each other, that kicks up a cloud of dust. The second translation connotes love rather than animus. They embrace each other, something lovers usually do."

The Reign of Amaziah

17 Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel. 

18 As for the other events of Amaziah’s reign, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?

19 They conspired against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish, but they sent men after him to Lachish and killed him there.

 20 He was brought back by horse and was buried in Jerusalem with his ancestors, in the City of David.

21 Then all the people of Judah took Azariah,[d] who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. 

22 He was the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah after Amaziah rested with his ancestors.

v. 17: Amaziah lived 15 years after the death of Jehoash.

The Value in Gematria is 7068, ז אֶפֶסוח‎, ‎Z Ipsuh, "The North Storage Place, the Pit."

All the Prince of Israel began their visionary careers as dreamers. No one dreams of a better outside world or being an instrument in its revelatory success like the Prince in a Pit.

Jacob brought his dream down to the earth, but Joseph the most notable Israeli Prince dreamed his dream of a fully Israelite Empire from in a pit and from within a prison.

v. 18: the Value in Gematria is 6212, ו‎בא‎ב, "and in the father."

Without the assent of the King and Queen, however, the Intellect and one's experiences, the Temple and the State, the dream of the Prince has not one possible chance of coming true. How a prince is fathered and how he fathers the dream tells all.

v. 19: Lachish= the lion, AKA Justice.

the Value in Gematria is 4622, ד‎וב‎ב, dvb, "dubbed"= as above- we don't know what God has planned for the future but we know how to plan for it.

The same value system ensures social justice is an integral aspect of the rearing of the upcoming generation and the management of the one that is already in power. We are for example, demonstrating to young persons how legal shitty treatment might look in spite of the fact it's not legal anywhere on this planet.

If one wants to live a long life free of strife, justice has to be doubled; just societies and their protected classes must always exist in equilibrium with each other.

The verse calls this a conspiracy, which means just persons are, in a way always conspiring against criminals to keep them in check and or eradicate them altogether.

v.20: the Value in Gematria is 7549, זהדט‎, zvi, "the same, but a deer."

"Thus, the deer (as well as the gazelle, which more than any other antelope resembles the deer) became a symbol of beauty, glory, and swiftness in our Holy Tongue. The Hebrew word for deer is Tzvi, and our Prophets used it to describe our Holy Land, the Land of Israel."

v. 21: Azariah, 16 years old= support God at age 16 as if one were an elder member of the Assembly of advanced age.

The Value in Gematria is 6487, ודח‎‎ז‎, "he was pushed."

v. 22: Elath= the Ram Pillar.

The Value in Gematria is 6860, ו‎חואֶפֶס‎, in huafes, "He got stripes", chavar, meaning he discovered he was not able to do the job of being the king by himself, and did not turn to family members for help but to his friends.

So the object lessons in this portion of the Melachim pertains to the importance of one's friends and relatives to the creation of a just and fair society that will meet its needs for intimacy as well as provide the usual products of a working government enterprise.

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Joash Repairs the Temple

1 Jo′ash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem; his mother’s name was Zib′iah of Beer-sheba. 2 And Jo′ash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoi′ada the priest. 3 Jehoi′ada got for him two wives, and he had sons and daughters.

4 After this Jo′ash decided to restore the house of the Lord. 5 And he gathered the priests and the Levites, and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather from all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year; and see that you hasten the matter.” But the Levites did not hasten it. 6 So the king summoned Jehoi′ada the chief, and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax levied by Moses, the servant of the Lord, on the congregation of Israel for the tent of testimony?” 7 For the sons of Athali′ah, that wicked woman, had broken into the house of God; and had also used all the dedicated things of the house of the Lord for the Ba′als.

8 So the king commanded, and they made a chest, and set it outside the gate of the house of the Lord. 9 And proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in for the Lord the tax that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness. 10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought their tax and dropped it into the chest until they had finished. 11 And whenever the chest was brought to the king’s officers by the Levites, when they saw that there was much money in it, the king’s secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and take it and return it to its place. Thus they did day after day, and collected money in abundance. 12 And the king and Jehoi′ada gave it to those who had charge of the work of the house of the Lord, and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of the Lord, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the Lord. 13 So those who were engaged in the work labored, and the repairing went forward in their hands, and they restored the house of God to its proper condition and strengthened it. 14 And when they had finished, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoi′ada, and with it were made utensils for the house of the Lord, both for the service and for the burnt offerings, and dishes for incense, and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord continually all the days of Jehoi′ada.

Apostasy of Joash

15 But Jehoi′ada grew old and full of days, and died; he was a hundred and thirty years old at his death. 16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house.

17 Now after the death of Jehoi′ada the princes of Judah came and did obeisance to the king; then the king harkened to them. 18 And they forsook the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Ashe′rim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt. 19 Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord; these testified against them, but they would not give heed.

20 Then the Spirit of God took possession of Zechari′ah the son of Jehoi′ada the priest; and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. 22 Thus Jo′ash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoi′ada, Zechari′ah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge!”

Death of Joash

23 At the end of the year the army of the Syrians came up against Jo′ash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the Lord delivered into their hand a very great army, because they had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgment on Jo′ash.

25 When they had departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of Jehoi′ada the priest, and slew him on his bed. So he died; and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. 26 Those who conspired against him were Zabad the son of Shim′e-ath the Ammonitess, and Jeho′zabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess. 27 Accounts of his sons, and of the many oracles against him, and of the rebuilding of the house of God are written in the Commentary on the Book of the Kings. And Amazi′ah his son reigned in his stead. — 2 Chronicles 24 | Revised Standard Version (RSV) Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 9:5; Genesis 21:14; Exodus 30:12; Exodus 34:12-13; Exodus 36:5; Judges 2:11; 2 Samuel 5:11; 2 Samuel 8:5; 2 Kings 12:6; 2 Kings 12:9; 2 Kings 12:20-21; 2 Chronicles 12:10; 2 Chronicles 13:22; 2 Chronicles 16:8; 2 Chronicles 21:2; 2 Chronicles 26:4; 2 Chronicles 36:22; Jeremiah 7:25; Ezekiel 18:24; Matthew 23:34-35; Luke 11:51

[narrowroadblog]

Who is Jehoshabeath?

Who is Jehoshabeath? Also called Jehosheba, she is an unsung hero of the Bible that demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness. 2 Chronicles 22:11 (ESV) 11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were about to be put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King…

[salvationcall]

What does 2 Kings 11:17-21 mean?

Death of Joash, King of Judah. – B. C. 840. 17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. 18 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the…

[600shekels]

2 Chronicles 25: 25-28. "The Walk."

25 Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah lived for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel.

 26 As for the other events of Amaziah’s reign, from beginning to end, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel? 

27 From the time that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, they conspired against him in Jerusalem and he fled to Lachish, but they sent men after him to Lachish and killed him there. 

28 He was brought back by horse and was buried with his ancestors in the City of Judah.[f]

Why did Amaziah live for fifteen years after the death of Jehoash, instead of 16 or why not ten? The Gematria explains. It is not what one might think.

For verse 25, the Gematria is 7068, 70+14= ע‎אד, Aad, which is very close to the Greek word, ode, which implies the human "voice" is always leaning towards tragegy,

αδω

The verb αδω (ado) means to sing, chant or recite: to sound the voice. It's a contraction of the verb αειδω (aeido), which in the classics could apply to the human voice but also to that of crowing or hooting birds, croaking frogs, the whistling wind and even objects such as a twanging bow string or a ringing rock when struck. The pedigree of this verb is unclear, although it's generally thought to relate to αυδη (aude), voice or speech, which in turn appears to relate to the Sanskrit noun vada, speech. These words' similarity to the familiar Latin audio, which ultimately stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "au-", to perceive, appears to be accidental.

Our verb αδω (ado) evidently emphasizes the human voice, and thus the text-part of a song. This in contrast to the noun ψαλλω (psallo), which rather emphasizes the string-strumming side of it. Closer akin αδω (ado) than ψαλλω (psallo), noun υμνος (humos) describes a song with a specific ceremonial function, particularly one to do with binding parties together. The Hebrew equivalent of our verb plus noun is שיר (shir), meaning both song and to sing.

The noun ωδη (ode), meaning song or chant, or rather a long and informative or explanatory song: an ode. In the classics, odes could be sad dirges or joyful songs of lengthy praise. Rather strikingly, our word "tragedy" combines our noun ωδη (ode) with τραγος (tragos), goat, making a tragedy an "ode to goat" (and see our article on the noun τραγος, tragos, for a quick look at why an ode-to-goat equals a tragedy). Our noun ωδη (ode) occurs 7 times in the New Testament;

This man Amaziah had an optimistic future but he listened to his own voice, which was tainted by the hairy goats, the men of Seir, who were capable of violence, did not much care for commitment.

He was forced from Jerusalem, the Synagogue, to Lachish, the place of the Lion, to face the world and there he met the predator face to face and was killed. Remember death is transition; the new self was brought back to God's Glory, the City of Judah by a horse, where he rested with his ancestors as an ordinary person, alive and well, but he certainly did not wind up becoming an extraordinary person.

Indeed, no brute or savage can. We lie to them and they lie to themselves about how grand they are or great they are going to be but the results are almost always spare. To recognize when the Voice is leading to tragedy, the one guided by the Yawad, that is how we learn how to cut our losses and change directions. This has to happen inside each of us, inside organizations, churches, Kingdoms, Ovil Offices, anywhere a man's ego can cause the world to grieve if it is left unchecked.

As the Gematria for verses 27 and 28 say, via 90-70, צע, sometimes you just have to walk. Otherwise, the story is just never going to change.

[dailyaudiobiblechronological]

7/5/2023 DAB Chronological Transcription

2nd Kings 12 - 13, 2nd Chronicles 24

Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible Chronological, I'm China. Today is the 5th day of July, Welcome. So great to be here with you guys today. I honestly am like, wow, we're we're here. We're in July. We are, we are paving our way through. I I always wanted to do a Christmas in July party. Anybody else ever had that? I don't know where Christmas in July came from. I don't know. Like the heat, the sweltering heat just makes people want Christmas? Maybe, Maybe I'll do a spontaneous party at the end of this month. Who knows? Who knows? Anyways, we are continuing our story in the Book of Second Kings with chapters 12 through 13. We are also in the book of Second Chronicles, with Chapter 24 and we are in the Common English Bible for this week.

Commentary 

Fascinating story that we read today. We see that Jehoash, who is 7, seven years old, a child is king. Do you imagine, Being the parent of Your your child. And then they become king and you're like, OK. Everyone, you must listen to my son .He is, that would be the first or second grade in America, And yet he's he's king. What a concept. And so he rules. He ruled for 40 years in Jerusalem .And it says that he did what was right in the Lord's eyes as long as Jehoiada the priest was alive. Jehoiada had him marry two wives and Jehoash fathered sons and daughters. So it seems like Jehoiada is really trying to Steward him, Well, I mean, he's seven, he's seven. So now I'm like he's, he's 47 or he ruled for 40 years in Jerusalem. So was that after 40 years then he was a longer king? So Joash wanted to renovate the Lord's temple, gathered the priest’s The Levites and he’s like, go to the cities of Judah and collect the annual tax silver that's due from all Israel for the upkeep of God's temple. Go, go, do it right away. The Levites, they procrastinate, which I'm like, that's such an interesting word to read in the Bible. Out of all the words that mean the Bible procrastinate, that's in there. It's a real thing.Even the Levites struggled with it. And so the king summons Jehoiada, and he's like, why haven't you required Levis to bring in from Judah and Jerusalem the tax imposed? Like, what's happening? Like, why is there no reinforcement? They are procrastinating. They're being lazy. They're putting this off, this isn’t a priority. Why is this not a priority? And then Athelia and her followers, they come, and they break into the temple, and they use all the holy objects in the Lord's temple To worship Baal. Oh my gosh. Are you kidding me? It's because of the progress. I'm I'm like I think if I'm putting the story together correctly because of the procrastination, it's because of their renovations are being prolonged that other people are like no, it let's just come in here and let's steal these things and let's turn them to Baal. And so then they're like, OK, let's take up, let's take a missions offering up, we're going to do a building fund and we are, we're going to build, we're going to renovate the Lords temple. This is going to be done and so As long as Jehoida lived the entirely burnt offerings or regular regularly offered in the Lord's temple. So kind of like this restoration is happening, Jehoida lives for 130 years old and he dies and then after his death the leaders, They gather and they decide, you know what? Let's let's turn to God, or let's turn away from God. Let's turn to Baal. And I'm like, Oh my goodness, what again with the stories of turning to you and turning away from the Lord being hot and cold and one person doing what's right in the eyes, Lord and turning. And then there's this wickedness and perverseness. And I'm like, why can't there just be a consistency? Like why is there?So much hot and cold. Why is there so much abandoning the Lord when what he is Proving again and again, and again, and again and again is his faithfulness. And, We see in the scripture the words are you abandon the Lord and now he's going to abandon you. And I don't know if you know this, but You really need the Lord on your side. There is no other force. There's no other power that could even come close. And so to have the Lord leave Your presence, your side.To say I'm not, I'm not a part of this anymore, like I don't even, I don't even know how to touch on that because that is, Gosh, the few words that pop into my brain are hopeless, devastating, depressing, Worthless. Like I don't, I don't even know what that would feel like to not have the Lord. And that's that's what happened. And so there's these crazy stories of Looping continuous loops of, Following the Lord and then choosing anything else that sounds good in the moment and I'm like, Stop. Lord, would we be a people who, Are aware of these stories and pay attention to them.

Prayer

And so Father I pray exactly that, that we would be aware of your word and that we would follow it. God, That we would be people who understand your word clearly, and that it would minister to our hearts that it would fall on good soil, and that you would be constantly tilling the soil in our hearts, and that we would be maintaining it and that good fruit Would produce. So I thank you for people's stories long ago that we read, and I thank you that we can learn something from it. And I pray that it would deeply nourish us and it would steward your word well. And it’s in your name we pray, Amen.

Announcements

So we have two days until the long walk. I hope you have a place in mind and you're looking forward to it. I can't wait to hear and see What this time and space looks like for you. And so be sure to go to the Daily Audio Bible Chronological page which is facebook.com/dailyaudiobiblechronological and there will be one post that you can share your pictures from and we can all scroll through them and look at them and, See the beautiful serene places that you have walked and talked with the Lord. So I'm really excited, really looking forward to that and. Yeah, I'm excited about it. That is all for today. I'm China. I love you and I'll be waiting for you here, Tomorrow. 

Community Prayer Line

Good morning, I want to thank you Brian and Jill and your whole family, For this beautiful opportunity I have every morning. And I wanted to thank you amazing DAB family of prayer warriors. I'm a long time listener and this is my very first time calling. And I'm calling to ask for your powerful prayers today for my 44 year old son Andrew. Who is Going to have an aortic aneurysm repair or replacement if necessary .If that's all they can do, and that's happening on Wednesday, July 6th, right before the day everyone's going to be walking and valuing God's beautiful world. And he has a loving wife, three beautiful children that need him. His only fear is that he will not be here for them. So my prayer today is for a wonderfully successful surgery next week and a problem free recovery. Please lift up the Mayo Hospital Open Heart surgical Team involved in his care and bless them with Godly wisdom and precision. May our fears be removed and our trust solidly placed in God. My heart is so grateful, that I can come to you with this Prayer request. Thank each of you for joining our family in this urgent prayer.

Good morning, DABC Family. This is Rodney from Atlanta. I want to just join in with them.Kinger a Kingdom seeker band as he was praying for Roy. I just want to add my agreement to what he has already, said Brother Roy, Brother Roy in Ohio, you are not As bad as you think you are, matter of fact, God doesn't see it that way. And King Kingdom Seeker band used the reference of David and True Love Davis, one of the perfect examples of how God can use someone who messes up because they were certainly was one, who Didn't always do it right. But what was so interesting about David after he had sin Sin with Bathsheba, Of course they had Solomon. When you read the accounts of David in the Bible, Word of God says that David did the commandments of the Lord even though he had failed God. But past that, it seemed as God had just forgotten about David's past. And that's what God does. He doesn't remember our past anymore. Brother Roy, keep going forward. You cannot drive successfully down the highway looking in your rearview mirror. Look at the big windshield in front of you and see that you are the righteous of God. God, I thank you for Brother Roy right now, and I pray God in the name of Jesus, and I agree with Kingdom seeker Dan that he will be Everything you have called him to be. Rise up Brother Roy in the name of Jesus and do what God has called you to do in Jesus mighty name. God bless you.

Hello, this is Chastity from Kansas. I just wanted to call and ask for prayer for my twin sister. She has been struggling. Her and her husband have been trying for children for Almost six years and they have not had a child and she's getting very, very discouraged. Unfortunately they are unable to afford to go to a specialist to see if there's anything that they can do but. She's been struggling very bad. Her faith has been wavering a little. She's crying out and asking the Lord for forgiveness, but she is just hurt and she just wants To have children so bad and to honor the Lord with her children. And also I would ask for prayer for my husband who is Been going through a lot of pain with a tooth infection that he's had. He has appointment scheduled to get it removed but it will not be until August that he can get in for that. So please pray for him. He's struggling to even sleep because it hurts so bad. So thank you all so much and God bless all of you.

Hey DABC, this is Carissa from Santa Fe, NM. I'm calling in to ask for some prayer for my marriage. Um I just I feel like, let's see, there's there's so much going on in our lives right now That, um, I just, I kind of feel like we're we're missing each other. You know like we're Seeing each other, but we're not like really with each other. We also we have a one year old and a four year old, both boys and their wonderful, a wonderful, wonderful handful. Umm and my my grandmother is also really doing very poorly. So I've been spending a lot of time With her and we're both working and I just feel like We're like just so busy with other things that we are just kind of like kind of disconnecting Quite a bit from each other, so I was just calling to ask for prayer. OK, I don't even.Know how to?Like pray for this or ask about it. I just.It's just been like this for like about like a few months now. And I just, I mean we do talk about it, but.It just doesn't kind of change anything, so I don't know.Umm, so yeah. If y'all can pray for us, that would be really, really wonderful. Thank you guys so much. I thank you so much.