First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-9

Theme: God’s liberation of the oppressed

Exegetical Note
These verses are part of a poem that celebrates the return of the Babylonian captives. Jahweh here declares the salvation and restoration of the "remnant," and especially emphasizes the inclusion of the most needy among the needy: the blind, the lame, the nursing, the pregnant, and the disconsolate. Compared to the oppression that they have suffered, the promised "brooks of water" and "straight paths" sound paradisic.

Call to Worship
Leader: Praise God, who cares for the oppressed and frees them from their captivity!
People: THANKS TO GOD, WHO RESTORES THE NEEDIEST OF THE NEEDY TO THEIR RIGHTFUL AND JUST PLACES!
Leader: For ours is a God who cares for those in every sort of bondage, who never leaves t…