July 7, 2026

4They made kings, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my knowledge. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction. 5He has rejected your calf, Samaria! My wrath is kindled against them; How long will they be incapable of innocence in Israel? 6An artisan made it, it is no god at all. The calf of Samaria will be dashed to pieces. 7When they sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind; The stalk of grain that forms no head can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it. 11When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, they became altars for sinning. 12Though I write for him my many instructions, they are considered like a stranger’s. 13They love sacrifice, they sacrifice meat and eat it, but the LORD is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

3Our God is in heaven and does whatever he wills. 4II - Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 5They have mouths but do not speak, eyes but do not see. 6They have ears but do not hear, noses but do not smell. 7They have hands but do not feel, feet but do not walk; they produce no sound from their throats. 8Their makers will be like them, and anyone who trusts in them. 9III - The house of Israel trusts in the LORD, who is their help and shield. 10The house of Aaron trusts in the LORD, who is their help and shield.

14I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,

32The Healing of a Mute Person. As they were going out, a demoniac who could not speak was brought to him, 33and when the demon was driven out the mute person spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 34But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.” 35The Compassion of Jesus. Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. 36At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 38so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”