We hear a very short two-verse reading
from the prophet Isaiah today. We hear
from Isaiah a lot in the seasons of preparation of Lent and Advent, since the
prophecies from this prophet often foreshadow events that will later occur in
the life of Jesus, the events of his birth and his death and resurrection. I have lived for more than six years in the
Mississippi Delta, in Greenville and Yazoo City, in a region known for its rich
farmland. Our analogy today in Isaiah is about how the snow and the rain hit
the soil so that the seeds and grains will burst forth in the fields in new
life, how they will produce bread for those who are hungry. God’s word is supposed to do the same in our
lives. It is not supposed to return to
God with empty promises and shallow content, but rather to accomplish the
purpose for which he sent his word down to earth.
What purpose does God have for us this
Lenten season? That’s a good question to
ask isn’t it? How is God calling out to
us during this holy season of preparation?
God plants seeds in our lives – but are we recognizing them and are we
helping those seeds to grow? These are
good questions for us today as we hear this very brief message from the prophet
Isaiah. Just as we are hoping for a good
planting season and harvest for our farmers this year, we are hoping for a good
Lenten season for us that will produce a bountiful harvest in our own lives.
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