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Wednesday
First Lesson
Wisdom 10:1-4, 15-21
1 SHE preserved the first formed father of the world, that was created alone, and brought him out of his fall,
2 And gave him power to rule all things.
3 But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother.
4 For whose cause the earth being drowned with the flood, wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the righteous in a piece of wood of small value.
15 She delivered the righteous people and blameless seed from the nation that oppressed them.
16 She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and withstood dreadful kings in wonders and signs;
17 Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided them in a marvellous way, and was unto them for a cover by day, and a light of stars in the night-season;
18 Brought them through the Red sea, and led them through much water:
19 But she drowned their enemies, and cast them up out of the bottom of the deep.
20 Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and praised thy holy name, O Lord, and magnified with one accord thine hand, that fought for them.
2I For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of them that cannot speak eloquent.
1st Lesson Questions -
Wisdom 10:1-4, 15-21 Wisdom is portrayed in today’s Lesson as being an active participant in people’s lives and in the course of history. Do I regularly pray for God’s wisdom? Will He grant it? (Hint: read James 1:5 and the prayer “For Guidance” at page 595 of the Prayer Book.) RESOLVE.
Second Lesson
Revelation 2:1-11
1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
2nd Lesson Questions -
Revelation 2:1-11 Could I fairly be accused of losing my “first love”? (V. 4) Does this mean love of Christ, love of neighbor or both? What might I do in my daily life and worship to rekindle this love? RESOLVE.