Isaiah 55:10-11
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.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the imagery of your Word; it paints such a vivid picture of your Word in action. When we see fresh snow in the morning or watch the rain fall on a freshly plowed field, we know you provide all the moisture a field needs to grow seeds. The grains sprout out of the ground after the farmer has sown the seeds; for the seeds, they have no choice. They were planted, and growth began with the moisture you provided.
The same is true for us as people. As we go about our day, the guilt and shame for things we said, did, or didn’t do—we all feel accountable for them—continue to haunt us.
However, your Word goes out to all, and the Holy Spirit works through it to sprout faith in the person. In that guilt and shame, we realize we cannot overcome it ourselves, and you come to us and tell us about your love, grace, and mercy, how you sent your one and only Son to suffer in our place for our sins and that all our sins have been forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross—He gave his life in our place.
Our faith trusts in the forgiveness you have gifted to us. Like the rain and snow, it accomplishes your will, and that is for people to know, trust, and believe in you and your love for them. Your love is for us all. You then feed our souls with your Word and sacrament to sustain us in this life.
You give salvation and eternal life to all who believe. We pray that you will use us to spread the seeds of the gospel to those who do not know or trust you. Please water those seeds so that faith sprouts in their hearts that it will grow into something that produces a superb harvest. Let us share your word so others will have salvation and eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
When you suffer from the guilt and shame of past sins, know that Jesus has forgiven every single sin humans have committed. His forgiveness also covers every one of your sins; you are forgiven in Jesus’ name, and this is a free gift he gives you.