firstborn and shepherd - Notice the images of God: that of a shepherd leading the people back (v. 10) and that of a father of his firstborn (v. 9). The shepherd image recalls the 23rd Psalm where the Shepherd provides for the sheep-supplying need, guidance, protection, and tender care for them. (Cf. also Psalm 100 and 121). The firstborn image describes Israel’s relationship to God. Ephraim the firstborn also suggests God’s initiative, God’s choice-as the core story in Genesis 48 teaches.

extravagantly good news - The writer is lavish and extravagant with the good news that appears in our lesson. Consider the announcement of redemption and complete liberation from the past condition. This passage is like Psalm 23 writ large-a large group of exiles being gently guided and led back home. Along the way physical needs are met, the weakest among the community are cared for so that no one is left out of this marvelous homecoming. [1]

eucharistic overtones - What a great passage to begin the new year, but also a fabulous way to invite the listeners to the Table. The text envisions the return of the exiles home as a lavish participation in an unending banquet where all the good things of life are provided (v. 12). According to NIB, the banquet may be understood as a great thanksgiving feast to celebrate the people’s deliverance by the Lord-only this thanksgiving feast goes on forever. Isn’t that what we do every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper? [2]

 

[3] At this moment would you describe your spiritual life as a sunrise or a sunset?

It’s always darkest before the dawn; how has this been true for you?

What relationship does god want to restore between himself and Israel?

block #1 - Recall stories of hope; any stories that make hope a sustaining and nourishing quality.

block #2 - Shift to the biblical narrative and describe the backdrop of despair that makes this lesson so hope-filled and inviting.

block #3 - Juxtapose the Table-a communion setting-next to the vision that this lesson holds out to us; the unending banquet feast provided by the Lord is what we do every time we recall the "Lord’s death till he come." [4]

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[1] New Interpreter’s Bible II (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), page 779.
[2] John Paul Heil in New Proclamation 2002 (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), page 271.
[3] Serendipity Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Co., 1998), page 354.
[4] Idea taken from Tracey Allred in The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2002 Ed. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), pp. 392-394.