When The Word Is Heard

Isaiah 55:10-11 – For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, … 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. (NRSV)

Preachers preach and often have very little feedback and/or comment. I have been 'peeking' at my ministry through the eyes of one of my church family. Recently she wrote: "Of course, last Sunday's sermon was about healing of body, mind and spirit. Sometimes it almost seems the sermons are written for me. But of course they're for everyone. As long as you're open to receive, you will get what you need. I have been very open because I am so hungry. I never seem to be getting enough… I need to get closer to God so that I can hear him. He's been calling me — I get that sense and have for over a year."

And it is at this point that the preacher knows that people are listening, internalizing the messages, and making life connections. I wish everyone who heard me preach left with this sense that I wrote the message for them and them alone. But to have even one leave with this thought is affirmation enough.

Prayer: God, may your word work powerfully in the lives of your people. May the written word and the proclaimed word, lead us to the Living Word made flesh and may we walk with Him throughout this day and on into the darkness of the night. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook