His Word Goes Out
Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky
and do not return there
unless they first water the earth, make it give birth, and cause it to sprout,
so that it gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
in the same way my word that goes out from my mouth
will not return to me empty.
Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please,
and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it.
Yes, you will go out with joy,
and in peace you will be carried along.
The mountains and the hills will break out in shouts of joy before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of thorns, a fir tree will grow up.
Instead of briers, a myrtle tree will grow up.
This will make a name for the Lord.
It will serve as an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055&version=EHV>
This passage from Isaiah 55 is the Old Testament reading for this Sunday. It ties in nicely with the Gospel reading from Matthew 13: the Parable of the Sower. God works through things: rain and snow, seeds and bread. God’s Word is connected with the water in baptism. God’s Word connected with bread (and wine) in the Lord’s Supper. God’s Word will accomplish what he promises: forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Also God promises to us that we “will go out with joy, and in peace…be carried along.” Why don’t we feel this all the time?
The seed that was sown on rocky ground is the person who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he is not deeply rooted and does not endure. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed that was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worry of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it produces no fruit.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2013&version=EHV>
Trouble, persecution, worry, all the things of this world distract us and try to strangle the good news–the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation given by Christ. Yesterday, we had a joint outdoor service with two other churches. There, “the seed that was sown on the good ground is the one who continues to hear and understand the word.” (Matthew 13:23 EHV) It was good to be outside in God’s creation for a change of scenery for a worship service. Did the mountains and hills break out in shouts of joy? Did the trees clap their hands? God’s Word was proclaimed, the seed was sown, sins were forgiven:
This will make a name for the Lord. It will serve as an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.
Go out with joy, with peace be carried along. Remember your baptism, come to church to celebrate the Lord’s Supper and hear the Good News for you. God works through things. God works through people. His Word goes out and will not return empty.
Trust the Promises,
Steve Skiver