Dual Panel1The God of gods--it's GOD!--speaks out, shouts, "Earth!" welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west.
2From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view.
3Our God makes his entrance, he's not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him.
4He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he's taking his people to court:
5"Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me."
6The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court, that here [God] is judge.
7"Are you listening, dear people? I'm getting ready to speak; Israel, I'm about ready to bring you to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you.
8I don't find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.
9But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull, or more and more goats from your herds?
10Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the mountains.
11I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends.
12If I get hungry, do you think I'd tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine.
13Do you think I feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats' blood?
14Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises,
15And call for help when you're in trouble--I'll help you, and you'll honor me."
16Next, God calls up the wicked: "What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends?
17You never answer the door when I call; you treat my words like garbage.
18If you find a thief, you make him your buddy; adulterers are your friends of choice.
19Your mouth drools filth; lying is a serious art form with you.
20You stab your own brother in the back, rip off your little sister.
21I kept a quiet patience while you did these things; you thought I went along with your game. I'm calling you on the carpet, [now], laying your wickedness out in plain sight.
22"Time's up for playing fast and loose with me. I'm ready to pass sentence, and there's no help in sight!
23It's the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I'll show you my salvation."