Bible Society of South Africa

Season after Pentecost: All Saints Day

First reading and Psalm

The Destiny of the Righteous

1But righteous people are protected by God and will never suffer torment. 2It is a foolish mistake to think that righteous people die and that their death is a terrible evil. 3They leave us, but it is not a disaster. In fact, the righteous are at peace. 4It might appear that they have suffered punishment, but they have the confident hope of immortality. 5-6Their sufferings were light compared with the blessings they will receive. God has tested them, like gold in a furnace, and found them worthy to be with him. He has accepted them, just as he accepts the sacrifices which his worshippers burn on the altar.

7When God comes to reward the righteous, they will blaze out against the wicked like fire in dry straw. 8They will rule over nations and peoples, and the Lord will be their king for ever. 9Those who have put their trust in God will come to understand the truth of his ways. Those who have been faithful will live with him in his love, for he is kind and merciful to the ones whom he has chosen.

Wisdom 3:1-9GNBOpen in Bible reader

God Prepares a Banquet

6Here on Mount Zion the LORD Almighty will prepare a banquet for all the nations of the world — a banquet of the richest food and the finest wine. 7Here he will suddenly remove the cloud of sorrow that has been hanging over all the nations. 8The Sovereign LORD will destroy death for ever! He will wipe away the tears from everyone's eyes and take away the disgrace his people have suffered throughout the world. The LORD himself has spoken!

9When it happens, everyone will say, “He is our God! We have put our trust in him, and he has rescued us. He is the LORD! We have put our trust in him, and now we are happy and joyful because he has saved us.”

Isaiah 25:6-9GNBOpen in Bible reader

The Great King

1The world and all that is in it belong to the LORD;

the earth and all who live on it are his.

2He built it on the deep waters beneath the earth

and laid its foundations in the ocean depths.

3Who has the right to go up the LORD's hill?

Who may enter his holy Temple?

4Those who are pure in act and in thought,

who do not worship idols

or make false promises.

5The LORD will bless them and save them;

God will declare them innocent.

6Such are the people who come to God,

who come into the presence of the God of Jacob.

7Fling wide the gates,

open the ancient doors,

and the great king will come in.

8Who is this great king?

He is the LORD, strong and mighty,

the LORD, victorious in battle.

9Fling wide the gates,

open the ancient doors,

and the great king will come in.

10Who is this great king?

The triumphant LORD — he is the great king!

Psalms 24:1-10GNBOpen in Bible reader
Bible Society of South Africav.4.24.4
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