Isaiah 55:10-13 (NRSV)
Read Isaiah 55:10-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, Verse 11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Verse 12For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Verse 13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
Devotion
The darkness of the winter sky blankets the South Dakota plains with snow as the winds whip the snow into a sea of waves. In the midst of a hot July day, it is easy to forget the barren landscape of winter. And yet it is in the midst of summer that we need to be reminded of the dramatic change of the seasons that bring forth new and often forgotten growth. The spring rains and the warmth of the sun draw out the sprouting seeds of the fields and the leaves of the trees dance in delight. Life is suddenly all around us, brought forth by the rain and the snow from a seemingly lifeless place. God’s word draws out new life as it warms the barrenness of our sinful selves. God’s word does not return empty, but brings forth change, purpose, joy and peace.
Prayer
God, our Creator, may we burst into song with the mountains and hills and clap our hands with the trees of the field as we read your word. Amen.