[10] “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [11] 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 shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10–11)
This passage generates deep confidence in God’s promises. To illustrate how, let’s consider gravity.
Pick up a writing pen or a couch pillow or a plastic container. If you drop that object, I promise it will fall to the floor. I guarantee it will careen to the carpet. How can I make that promise? Gravity makes my promise a reality.
God has also made promises. For example, in 1st John we are told that God will forgive the sins confessed to him. Just as gravity guarantees objects of a certain weight fall, so also God’s Word seals God’s promises.
That’s why it’s so important that Isaiah tells us that God’s Word “shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish what which I purpose…” (Isaiah 55:11)
We have every reason for confidence when God’s Word is involved. God spoke the universe into existence. (Genesis chapter 1) In John chapter one, Jesus is referred to as “the Word”. In chapter six of the same Gospel, the Apostle Peter says that Jesus has the “words of eternal life.”
This is especially helpful when we struggle with God’s promises. When doubts creep in, it is especially important to know that God provides a guarantee for his promises.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 