First Lesson: Isaiah 43:18-25

Theme: The forgetfulness of God

Exegetical Note
Speaking out of the context of captivity, Deutero-Isaiah here tells the hope of the future defeat of the Babylonian captors and a return by the Israelites to the Promised Land. The promise here is for a new Exodus for an undeserving people, whose transgressions, sins, and general faithlessness, however, God will choose to forget.

Call to Worship
Leader: Give thanks and praise, sisters and brothers, for the forgetfulness of God!
People: FOR THOUGH WE SIN CONTINUALLY AND BREAK OUR FAITH WITH GOD, GOD GRACIOUSLY CHOOSES TO FORGET OUR FAULTS.
Leader: God accepts us back in loving compassion, as though we had never gone astray.
People: YES! GOD FORGIVES AND FORGETS OUR SINS, BUT NEVER FORGETS US!

Collect
God of ti…