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 Isaiah often foreshadow events that will occur in the life of Jesus, the events of his birth, death, and resurrection. I lived for more than six years in the Mississippi Delta, in Greenville and Yazoo City, a region known for its rich farmland. Our analogy today in Isaiah is about how the snow and rain hit the soil so that seeds and grain will burst forth in the fields in new life, how they will produce bread for the hungry. God’s word is supposed to do the same in our lives. It is not meant to return to God with empty promises and shallow content, but to accomplish the purpose for which God sent his word to earth.
What purpose does God have for us this Lenten season? How is God calling out to us during this holy season? God plants seeds in our lives, but how are we recognizing the presence of these seeds and how are we helping them grow? These are good questions for us today as we hear this very brief message from Isaiah. Just as we hope for a good planting season and harvest for our farmers this year, may we hope for a good Lenten season for us that will produce a bountiful harvest in our own lives.
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