God's Word: Let It Flow!

7.26.20 Isaiah 55:10–13

10 Just as the rain and the snow come down from the sky and do not return there unless they first water the earth, make it give birth, and cause it to sprout, so that it gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 in the same way my word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty. Rather, it will accomplish whatever I please, and it will succeed in the purpose for which I sent it. 12 Yes, you will go out with joy, and in peace you will be carried along. The mountains and the hills will break out in shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of thorns, a fir tree will grow up. Instead of briers, a myrtle tree will grow up. This will make a name for the LORD. It will serve as an everlasting sign that will not be cut off.

God’s Word: Let it Flow

We had just cut down a tree by the side of our house, and after these latest rains came I had shoots growing out of multiple roots of the tree that were left under the dirt a few inches. I didn’t want them, but the rain made them come shooting out of the ground in no time. About six weeks beforehand I had also just planted some grass where the tree formerly was, and it was coming up fine. But when we went on vacation a few weeks ago, our new grass all died quickly when it failed to rain in 90 plus degree heat.

So it is with the Word of God, Isaiah says. When it is in common use, people flourish and grow. But when it is neglected, people degrade themselves. Look at what has happened to our society in the past 60 years. It isn’t uncommon to see vulgarities openly displayed on cars. Families are split up and suffering more than ever. Drug and alcohol abuse are on the rise along with sexual addiction. Riots are abounding. Fear and division rule the day because of a virus.

God’s Word can make a difference. Isaiah reminds us of how powerful the Word of God is. It causes growth. Hebrews 4:12 also says, “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.” Paul said to Timothy, “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” That’s why we have Bible studies and encourage you to read your word REGULARLY and often. We teach children Bible stories in Sunday School and at Trinity School. Catechism and Bible Information Class has quote after quote from the Bible. We do this because we believe it is how God’s Holy Spirit works in people to bring them to faith and save them. There is power here.

But how often have you yourself read the Bible and questioned the efficacy of doing so? You start in Genesis and maybe get through a few chapters, but then you wonder what good the history of Abraham will really do you? It seems like a waste of time. You go to Sunday School but you’re bored with the class and upset that you’re the only one who had to come: none of your classmates are there. You’d rather maybe read a devotion on the Bible or an inspirational book instead. Or maybe you just turn on Netflix and punt it altogether. Does the Word of God work or not?

Imagine yourself driving in your car and you put a book on: it is easy to listen to it and concentrate while you are on the open road. You can learn a lot while driving. But when things get congested and you have to make a few turns, it takes greater concentration and you turn it off. It seems that as we journey through life that God’s Word has become the distraction in some ways. We are so focused on temporary destinations like promotions or relationships or entertainment, that we turn down God’s Word along the way. We are too focused on our immediate goals, and the Word becomes a distraction. What ends up happening? You lose direction in life.

We forget what God’s Word is designed to do. It gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater. Think about that. The Word of God produces that which can grow and that which can be eaten: it has the ingredients that we can work with. Bread is made from ingredients that are baked together and eaten. Jesus is the bread of life. He is the ultimate loaf that God has baked to give us forgiveness and salvation. The ultimate goal is to get us to heaven through Christ alone.