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
Currently, I am at Alta Lake State Park in Washington. In 2014, a devastating forest fire blazed through this pine tree forested area. Few trees remain, some show no damage, others have a trunk with bark scarred black from a fire that did not consume them. These stand tall with lush pine needles and cones. Green plants, small trees, and bushes surround me. New pine trees are taking root. There is bird song, an owl serenades each night while coyotes call to one another across the lake. Here in this place, I am surrounded by signs of restoration and hope. Yet, burnt remains of fallen trees bear witness to the destruction from the fire.
Isaiah writes to those in exile, the ones who experience the loss of a landscape and life previously known: God’s word of hope and restoration will not be stopped. Memories of loss may remain; however, the “fire” of exile will not have the last word.
Prayer
Open my eyes and heart to signs of hope and restoration in situations where loss is experienced, in my life and in this world. Amen.