Out of the Belly of Hell--Jan. 22, 2019

Let the earth rejoice,

the coastlands be glad,

for you, O God, are King.

In distress, Jesus called to you,

out of the belly of hell he called,

and you came and answered him.

It was impossible for Jesus to be

held under the power of death,

and you freed him from it.

Now he will come again

and take us to himself,

so that where he is,

we may be also.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 97; 145; 124; 115

Jonah 2:1-10

Acts 2:14, 22-32

John 14:1-14

Selected Verses

Ps. 97:1

The LORD is king!  Let the earth rejoice;
          let the many coastlands be glad! 

Jonah 2:1-2

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish,
saying,
     "I called to the LORD out of my distress,
          and he answered me;
     out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
          and you heard my voice.  …" 

Acts 2:24

"…But God raised [Jesus] up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.  …"  [Peter, addressing his fellow Israelites] 

John 14:3

"…And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.  …"  [Jesus, to his disciples]