In All Things & In All Ways! (Isaiah 55:10-13)
From Isaiah 55: 10-13 come these words: For 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, so 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. For 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. Instead 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.
In all ways and in all things, God provides! Such was the faith of this prophet as he wrote these words in the passage above. He could see evidence of God's handiwork in nature and compared it to how God provides and brings forth harvest from His word. Rain and snow, while not very common around these parts lately, still comes from heaven, says the prophet, and in the same way they water the earth, so does God's word water those who are dry and thirsty. As the heavenly moisture provides the harvest which brings bread to those hungry, so does the word of God provide nourishment for the spirits of those who hunger for God's grace. Rainfall and snowfalls never return to God empty, neither does the sharing of God's word; there is a purpose God needs accomplished here on the earth and our willingness to share is part of that purpose. Those who accept to share, the prophet says, go out in joy and return home led in peace. As those who go forth to share God's word, nature joins in and the mountains and hills burst into song, and the trees of the field applaud the works of God. And instead of thorns, the nourishment God's word provides, will bring forth myrtle. All serving to glorify God as a memorial of His presence and power, and a sign that will never be removed. In all ways and in all things, God provides!
God awaits our response. Let us go forth to share as God has shared with us. In all ways and in all things, God provides!
PRAYER: Loving God, the emphasis this week has been on sowing seed; today's passage speaks of the way you work in the lives of those who say yes to sharing Your word. Count me in among those who have said yes and send me forth in joy and lead me back in peace. Let my ears be attuned to the praise and applause of nature, not for me, but for You and what You do. For in all things and in all ways, You do surely provide! Amen.
