United in Purpose

Reflection from Rev. R. Susan Smandych:
^{Isaiah 55:10-11
_{10 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,
11 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,}}
Isaiah uses this metaphor to remind the Israelites that, just as the rain and snow water the earth to make it to bud and flourish and bring forth seed and bread in due course, that the word of God will ‘trickle’ down into their souls and nourish their lives, so that God’s purpose for them in His kingdom can, and will, be achieved. The point of Isaiah’s illustration is that God’s word for His people is just as irresistible and effective in the hope of restoring and revitalizing their world, as the rain and snow are for the soil. 

Although here in Canada we are not personally experiencing the same type of trauma or exile as the ancient Israelites did, we know that our world is hurting, and is arguably in dire need of restoration and revitalization. Fortunately, Isaiah reminds us of good news, in that God has plans for this world. God’s plans are not arbitrary; they are for the well-being of all of creation; and they will not be frustrated. And God’s plans for this world involve us – each and every one of us in the Body of Christ. God is calling us to study, embrace, obey, proclaim, and act upon God’s Word, because by doing so, it will infiltrate our souls and lives, and prompt us to do what we can, to contribute to the restoration and revitalization of our hurting world. We can look to God’s Word with the full assurance that it’s not only true, but that it’s astoundingly powerful. So as we continue our journey through Lent, let us thirst for the living Word of God – and act upon it – to help fulfill the hope of restoration and revitalization of our own world. Amen.