Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17

Theme Ideas

The power of speech pulls together these disparate scripture readings. Jeremiah is afraid to speak because of his youthful inexperience. The psalmist cries out for God to lean down and listen to our pleas Hebrews warns us of the impending doom for those who do not listen when God’s servant speaks. And God’s servant-child Jesus speaks and a woman is healed. Laying hands on her, Jesus faces the condemning words of the synagogue leader, and yet Jesus speaks out for the woman’s right to be healed and freed from bondage, even on the Sabbath day. The power of speech is a mighty power indeed. As God speaks to and through us, we are empowered to transform the world into that unshakable realm of love and justice.