October 24, 2003
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, 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, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (NRSV)
Isaiah 55:10–13

In the book, The Ascent of a Leader, Bruce McNicol and Bill Thrall tell a story of woman who has a dream where she wanders into a store and finds Jesus behind the counter. Jesus says, “You can have anything your heart desires.” Astounded but pleased, she asks for peace, joy, happiness, wisdom, and freedom from fear. Then she adds, “Not just for me, but for the whole world.” Jesus smiles and says, “I think you misunderstand me. We don’t sell fruits, only seeds.”

These scriptures from Isaiah remind us of the miracles amidst the mystery in the ways God both gives and receives. In like ways, we are called to participate in the miracle and mystery of the stewardship of life and mission, giving ourselves fully to growing God’s plan both here and in the world. We have been given “seeds” of opportunity by God in our Project Light Capital Campaign--seeds to make a world of difference and to become an even brighter “Light in the City”!

O loving creator God, we thank you for the miracle and mystery of this world, which you have created. We thank you for the seeds you have placed among us and within us to further your kingdom in this church, our community, and your world. Amen.
Written by Keith C. Harris, Associate Pastor for Youth and Campus Ministry