January 2: GOD’S WORD AND WILL

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

The forces of nature were created by the Creator with purpose. They serve as effective metaphors for the wondrous workings of His word upon the heart of fallen men. The blessings of refreshing upon the earth, bringing forth lush vegetation with its many fragrances, bounteous beauty, and healthy food, are all given for the joy and well-being of mankind, along with the rest of His creatures.

The comparisons of His word to rain and snow speak of purposes in the heart of God. In an amazing economy, the accomplishments are followed by a return to heaven as a vapor until such time as it is again sent forth. The words of the LORD are representative of His will. They are endowed with power to bring into effect all things ordained of God, whether material or spiritual. Things such as the power to create (Genesis 1:3; Psalm 33:6,9), to impart the blessings of life and spiritual vigor (Matthew 4:4; John 6:63; Revelation 1:3), to judge and to condemn (John 12:48; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 19:15), to raise the dead (Job 14:14; Luke 7:14; John 11:43; 1 Thessalonians 4:16), to heal (Matthew 8:3; 9:2,6; Mark 2:12), to humble (Deuteronomy 8:3; Proverbs 29:23; Daniel 4:37), and to redeem (John 5:24).

In using the metaphor comparing men to trees (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Matthew 3:10; 7:17; Luke 6:43-44; Revelation 7:1,3), Isaiah poetically expresses the way that God’s word transforms a barren earth to a lush and beautiful garden. Righteous men are fruitful trees and the wicked are briers and thorns. Individuals who truly desire for God’s transforming work to be accomplished within them are told:

“For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the LORD for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Isaiah 55:12-13