Renewal through trusting God for daily needs.
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Isaiah 49:8--16a (C); Isaiah 49:14--15 (RC); Isaiah 49:8--18 (E); Isaiah 49:13--18 (L)
Through the prophet, God speaks words of consolation to his captive people in Babylon. The frightened and defeated people are beckoned from their hiding places. God promises that he will protect them, heal their wounds, feed them and lead them back to their homeland. The created world joins in the celebration for the redeemed but the downtrodden people find it difficult to receive the good news saying: ''The Lord has forsaken me'' (v. 14).