Narrative Lectionary 647 (NL415): Word Accomplishes God's Purpose - December 14, 2025

Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester for the Third Sunday of Advent as they explore Isaiah 55:1-13, a climactic prophetic word from the end of Second Isaiah that offers hope at the close of exile.

This episode examines the vivid marketplace imagery of God's free invitation—"Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price"—and unpacks how this passage bridges exile and restoration while pointing toward the incarnation in John's Gospel.

Key Themes Explored: * The marketplace imagery of Isaiah 55 and its evocative call to spiritual nourishment * God's everlasting covenant with David and its messianic significance * The shift from literal food to spiritual sustenance and hope * How covenant relationship transforms celebration beyond surface-level feasting * The expansion of God's covenant to include all nations, not just Israel * Connections between Advent themes and Isaiah's vision of restoration

TIMECODES: 00:00 Hope in Exile: The Message of Isaiah 55 03:01 The Invitation to Spiritual Nourishment 06:33 Feasting and Relationship: Beyond the Surface 08:48 Covenant and Inclusion: A Universal Message

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🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on Isaiah 55:1-13 written by Michael J. Chan at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/word-accomplishes-gods-purpose/commentary-on-isaiah-551-13-3.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/oTLMX-i0L8E.