Today’s Scripture:

Heaven is My throne, and earth is where I rest My feet.    So what kind of structure would you build Me?        What man-made space could provide Me a resting place?2     Everything is the product of My hand—My being and My doing—        that’s how all you see came to be; I made it all.[a]    Nevertheless, I am interested in and concerned about even just one person        who is humble and downhearted and trembles at my word.Whoever slaughters an ox without humility is no better        than one who kills a man;    Whoever sacrifices a lamb without brokenness is no different        than one who breaks a dog’s neck;    Whoever presents a grain offering without fear is no different        than one who offers pig’s blood;    Whoever burns incense without obedience is no better        than one who worships an idol.    They’ve made their own choices        and seem happy enough with their detestable practices.4     But I have a choice, too, and I choose to punish them;        I will bring on them what they fear most.    For when I called, no one answered;        when I spoke, they refused to listen.    Instead they did all the wrong things and made terrible choices—        what I expressly said that I hate.

So, if you are one who trembles at His word,    listen closely to what the Eternal One has to say:

I know that some people, even your own family,        reject you because you accept Me,    And they’re saying, “Let the Eternal receive the honor He deserves,        so that we, too, can know your joy.” But they’ll only know sorrow and shame.6     Can you hear it? There’s a commotion in the city,        great rumbling coming from the temple area!    Ah, it is the Eternal thundering in to take on His foes.

7-8     Have you ever heard of a woman who gave birth before she went into labor?        Have you ever seen a woman who delivered a son without feeling a thing?    Do you think it’s possible for the land to go through labor in an instant,        or to bear a nation, to be new and strong, in a single day?    Nevertheless, Zion suffered only a moment        before she gave birth to her children!9     Will I open the womb and not deliver?        I have made this place labor in terrible pain,    But do you think I won’t help it give birth?        That is what I, the Eternal One have to say.So be happy for Jerusalem;        give her hearty congratulations, whoever holds her dear.    Take part in this joyous celebration, especially if you remember her grief.