Today’s Scripture:

“Listen to me, you who pursue godliness,[a]who seek the Lord.Look at the rock from which you were chiseled,at the quarry[b] from which you were dug.[c]2 Look at Abraham, your father,and Sarah, who gave you birth.[d]When I summoned him, he was a lone individual,[e]but I blessed him[f] and gave him numerous descendants.[g]3 Certainly the Lord will console Zion;he will console all her ruins.He will make her wilderness like Eden,her arid rift valley like the garden of the Lord.[h]Happiness and joy will be restored to[i] her,thanksgiving and the sound of music.4 Pay attention to me, my people.Listen to me, my people!For[j] I will issue a decree,[k]I will make my justice a light to the nations.[l]5 I am ready to vindicate,[m]I am ready to deliver,[n]I will establish justice among the nations.[o]The coastlands[p] wait patiently for me;they wait in anticipation for the revelation of my power.[q]6 Look up at the sky.Look at the earth below.For the sky will dissipate[r] like smoke,and the earth will wear out like clothes;its residents will die like gnats.But the deliverance I give[s] is permanent;the vindication I provide[t] will not disappear.[u]7 Listen to me, you who know what is right,you people who are aware of my law.[v]Don’t be afraid of the insults of men;don’t be discouraged because of their abuse.8 For a moth will eat away at them like clothes;a clothes moth will devour them like wool.But the vindication I provide[w] will be permanent;the deliverance I give will last.”9 Wake up! Wake up!Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of the Lord![