Bible Reading Challenge April 7

 

April 7 Matthew 27:45-56 45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” 55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.   Psalm 69:1-18 For the director of music. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. 1 Save me, O God,     for the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in the miry depths,     where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters;     the floods engulf me. 3 I am worn out calling for help;     my throat is parched. My eyes fail,     looking for my God. 4 Those who hate me without reason     outnumber the hairs of my head; many are my enemies without cause,     those who seek to destroy me. I am forced to restore     what I did not steal. 5 You, God, know my folly;     my guilt is not hidden from you. 6 LORD, the Lord Almighty,     may those who hope in you     not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel,     may those who seek you     not be put to shame because of me. 7 For I endure scorn for your sake,     and shame covers my face. 8 I am a foreigner to my own family,     a stranger to my own mother’s children; 9 for zeal for your house consumes me,     and the insults of those who insult you fall on me. 10 When I weep and fast,     I must endure scorn; 11 when I put on sackcloth,     people make sport of me. 12 Those who sit at the gate mock me,     and I am the song of the drunkards. 13 But I pray to you, LORD,     in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God,     answer me with your sure salvation. 14 Rescue me from the mire,     do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me,     from the deep waters. 15 Do not let the floodwaters engulf me     or the depths swallow me up     or the pit close its mouth over me. 16 Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love;     in your great mercy turn to me. 17 Do not hide your face from your servant;     answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. 18 Come near and rescue me;     deliver me because of my foes.