Today’s Scripture:

“Now, listen, Jacob my servant,Israel whom I have chosen!”2 This is what the Lord, the one who made you, says—the one who formed you in the womb and helps you:“Don’t be afraid, my servant Jacob,Jeshurun,[a] whom I have chosen.3 For I will pour water on the parched ground[b]and cause streams to flow[c] on the dry land.I will pour my Spirit on your offspringand my blessing on your children.4 They will sprout up like a tree in the grass,[d]like poplars beside channels of water.5 One will say, ‘I belong to the Lord,’and another will use[e] the name ‘Jacob.’One will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’and use the name ‘Israel.’”[f]

6 This is what the Lord, Israel’s king, says,their Protector,[g] the Lord of Heaven’s Armies:“I am the first and I am the last,there is no God but me.7 Who is like me? Let him make his claim![h]Let him announce it and explain it to me—since I established an ancient people[i]—let them announce future events.[j]8 Don’t panic! Don’t be afraid![k]Did I not tell you beforehand and decree it?You are my witnesses! Is there any God but me?There is no other sheltering rock;[l] I know of none.9 All who form idols are nothing;the things in which they delight are worthless.Their witnesses cannot see;they recognize nothing, so they are put to shame.10 Who forms a god and casts an idolthat will prove worthless?[m]11 Look, all his associates[n] will be put to shame;the craftsmen are mere humans.[o]Let them all assemble and take their stand.They will panic and be put to shame.12 A blacksmith works with his tool[p]and forges metal over the coals.He forms it[q] with hammers;he makes it with his strong arm.He gets hungry and loses his energy;[r]he drinks no water and gets tired.13 A carpenter takes measurements;[s]he marks out an outline of its form;[t]he scrapes[