“…we do not need to defend ourselves before you.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
the God whom we serve is able to save us.
He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.
But even if he doesn’t,
we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty,
that we will never serve your gods
or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
And the LORD said to Moses,
“How long will these people treat me with contempt?
Will they never believe me,
even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?
He reveals deep and mysterious things
and knows what lies hidden in darkness,
though he is surrounded by light.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors,
for you have given me wisdom and strength…
…they camped or traveled at the LORD’s command,
and they did whatever the LORD told them…
…Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he has all wisdom and power.
He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.
May the LORD bless you
and protect you.
May the LORD smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor
and give you his peace.
…This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken
through the prophet…
Herod’s brutal action fulfilled
what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah…
…This fulfilled what the prophets had said…
…the wise men went on their way.
And the star they had seen in the east
guided them to Bethlehem.
It went ahead of them
and stopped over the place where the child was.
…This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall,
but he will be a joy to many others.
He has been sent as a sign from God,
but many will oppose him.
As a result,
the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed…
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
