First Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-7

Theme: Called from the womb, called for the world

Exegetical Note
This passage consists of the "Second Servant Song" of Deutero-Isaiah (verses 1-6) plus an additional verse. Though the uniqueness of this song among the others is its apparent identification of the Servant with the people of Israel, its real theme is nevertheless the universal nature of the mission of the servant that has been his from the womb. (There is plenty of New Testament precedent for reading this passage in a Christological light: Luke 2:32, Acts 13:47 and 26:23, Galatians 1:15.)

Call to Worship
Leader: We meet this day in the name of one called from the womb.
People: WE MEET IN THE NAME OF ONE CALLED FOR THE WORLD.
Leader: Jesus was destined by God to be a servant who would suffer for…