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
Here Isaiah reacts to the long exile of an oppressed people who had lost their land, leader, and temple. They pondered God’s promises and restructured their religious life. Their crises made them seek God through prophets, priests, and scrolls. Isaiah speaks to people reworking their faith. Isaiah looked at the grim world around him and saw God beyond it. He saw God at work: having a great feast, having scattered people streaming to God’s celebration, and providing pardon. The prophet said God’s ways were not human ways. Isaiah’s words assure us and Isaiah’s people that God works in and beyond daily events. This week our readings will remind us that God works through God’s productive word. Isaiah tells us that God uses rain and snow to sustain life. In the same way God’s word certainly produces, and God will prevail. That is not pollyannish thinking. It is confidence in God in challenging days.
Prayer
Thank you Lord, for minds that see the wondrous reality around us which is both marvelous and grim; and especially for faith that knows you in and beyond daily life. Grant that our words and acts are part of your work beyond what we see. Amen.
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