[Dailydevo] Daily E-Devotion Monday July 9, 2007

[Barry Ludwig]

Zion's Daily Electronic Devotions for Monday July 9, 2007

As our nation deals with draught and heat waves, I wondered what God might
say to us about water, remembering that water was more precious than gold in
the ancient middle east.  (Pastor Ludwig)

 

Isaiah 55:10-12

"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."

 

After ten years of college, seminary and graduate school, he knelt before
the altar surrounded by pastors and bishop who had their hands on his head
and shoulders, every square inch covered with palms and digits, and he
listened as each recited a scripture text and prayer for his entry into
ordained ministry. I was intimidated by the life task before me. All he had
ever known was study and research, now he would be venturing into the
wilderness of living breathing people with living breathing doubts,
questions, needs and desires. 

 

As I knelt there, beginning to shake a little, I heard the bishop's voice
speak the words of Isaiah above. God would water me. When I was dried up
with frustration.God would water me.  When I was drained by long days and
nights.God would water me.  When I was torched by the anger of others who
did not get what they wanted from me.God would water me. When I thirsted to
receive ministry rather than only give it.God watered me.

 

And you, God promises to water you today with strength and purpose,
forgiveness and love. As Isaiah once proclaimed to God's people in exile who
were thirsting for deliverance from Babylon, "You shall go out in joy and be
led back in peace."

 

Have a watery, God in the midst of it, day!

 

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