Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Tuesday of Lent 1



Tuesday of Lent 1, 20 February 2018 Isaiah 55:6-11

God’s Word accomplishes His purpose.  The Word of God has within it an inherent, latent power. Jesus compared the Word to seed. A seed has within it the power of life, to break out of its shell and to grow into a plant. The Word, like a seed, has power to accomplish the purpose for which it was created and sent. It is a lively Word, a living Word. Herein is the secret of powerful preaching. Whenever the Word is proclaimed, the Word, finding fertile soil, will produce remarkable results by transforming lives and creating faith.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven. And waters the earth…making it bring forth and sprout. (Isaiah 55:10) So the Word of God accomplishes the purpose for which the Father speaks it. Granting joy and peace through the forgiveness of sins. Producing the fruit of faith. Demonstrating acts of charity. Kindness. And love. In the lives of those who are called by His name. 

Christ Jesus. The Incarnate Word.  Opens our ears to hear.  Opens our minds to understand. And penetrates our cold broken hearts. To believe His Word.  Lest the evil one come. And snatch it away. He thus transforms our rocky hearts into good soil. Which, clings to the Gospel. And, “indeed bears fruit.” (Matthew 13:23). This week, share the story of Jesus with at least one person with whom you meet.

Hymn: O Christ, You Walked the Road (Lutheran Service Book  424:4)
When lures of easy gain
With promise brightly shin,
Lord, help us seek Your kingdom first;
Our wills with Yours align.

Grant to your people, Lord, grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only True God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.1

1. Collect for Tuesday of Lent 1, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm



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